Alexander Zverev continued his quest for a first title of 2025 by reaching the Rio Open quarter-finals.
The German is playing in Brazil on the ATP Tour for the first time in his career and he has been made to work hard.
He overcame Yunchaokete Bu in the round of 16, before Alexander Shevchenko stood between Alexander Zverev and a place in the quarter-finals.
The Rio Open’s top seed was pushed hard by the World number 103, but prevailed in two tough sets to continue his quest for the title.
Alexander Zverev ties Jannik Sinner feat after reaching Rio Open quarter-finals
Zverev engaged in a two-hour and 28-minute battle against Shevchenko at the Rio Open.
The 27-year-old lost just one point in the first set tiebreak, but found himself trailing 2-5 in the second set tiebreak.
But Zverev went on to win six of the next seven points to secure a gruelling victory and secure his 80th win since the start of the 2024 season.
This ties World number one Jannik Sinner for the most number of victories and Zverev will have the chance to take the lead when he faces Francisco Comesana in the quarter-finals.
Alexander Zverev struggled physically during Rio Open quarter-finals
Zverev won his first meeting with Shevchenko 7-6(1), 7-6(6) at the Rio Open.
The World number two overcame the hot and humid conditions in Brazil and admitted he found it tough to manage it.
“Generally, I thought it was a pretty good match. It’s not easy conditions here. It’s hot, humid. You go to your limits sometimes physically,” Zverev said in his on-court interview.
“I thought he played a very good match, so I’m happy with the win and definitely happy with the improvement from yesterday.
He added: “I was physically struggling I think at 4-1. I was really struggling to breathe.
“The air is very heavy here. Very, very humid. I caught myself then afterwards and obviously happy I didn’t have to play a third set.”
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