Alexander Zverev soared into the quarter-finals of the Vienna Open with a straight sets win over Marcos Giron.
Zverev has admitted to a recent drop in form, but he is looking strong in Austria, with Lorenzo Musetti up next at the indoor hard-court ATP 500 event.
The German, who is the top seed at the Vienna Open, beat Giron 6-2, 7-5 after his 6-2, 6-2 win over Joel Schwaerzler in the round of 32.
Zverev said an emotional goodbye to Dominic Thiem in Vienna, with the latter retiring from tennis after his tournament exit.
The duo have formed a solid friendship over the years, but Zverev has been forced to put that aside to focus on a strong run.
Alexander Zverev beats ‘unbelievable’ Marcos Giron at Vienna Open
Zverev made it past Giron in just 73 minutes, and extended his head-to-head record over the American to 3-0.
But as quoted by the ATP website, the German says he was made to work extremely hard to close out the victory.
READ MORE: Dominic Thiem reacts on court after playing his last ever tennis match before retiring
“I thought he was serving unbelievable in the second set,” he said of Giron. “I was feeling really good from the baseline, but I was not getting many chances to play from the baseline because he was serving so well.
“Obviously I’m extremely happy to get it done in straight sets. When it goes to a tie-break, it’s never guaranteed that you’re going to win it, especially against someone like him who plays fantastic tennis. I’m happy to be through to the quarter-finals.”
Alexander Zverev sets up exciting Vienna Open tie with Lorenzo Musetti
Zverev boasts a superb record at the Vienna Open, having reached at least the quarter-finals of all four of his main-draw appearances.
But the 27-year-old, who occupies number three in the world rankings, now has a very tricky test against sixth seed Musetti.
The Italian has enjoyed a superb year, and is into the latter stages in Austria after Gael Monfils withdrew from their second round match due to illness.
But Zverev knows all about going all the way in Vienna, having beaten wild card Frances Tiafoe in the 2021 final.
Having already clinched his spot in the ATP Finals, the German will simply be aiming to secure his second tour-level title of 2024, having won the Italian Open in May.
But like Giron, Musetti will not be an easy test, with the Italian’s superb season including a run to the semi-finals of Wimbledon.
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