Alexander Zverev got the job done in efficient style against Flavio Cobolli as he kept alive his hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title.
Zverev has been forced into a little reset over the past few months, with Carlos Alcaraz nudging him out of second place on the ATP world rankings.
The German performer looks in fine fettle at the French Open, however, and he secured a comprehensive straight-sets win, coming through 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.
Next up is the Dutch performer Tallon Griekspoor, and Zverev does look to be getting his game up to full speed in time for the bigger matches.
Zverev was very sporting at the end of the match against Italian star Cobolli, and there was a nice moment between the two players at the end of the contest.
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What Alexander Zverev said to Flavio Cobolli at the net after French Open win
Zverev might be the one progressing through to the next round, but Cobolli will take heart in reaching the third round of a Grand Slam.
After the match, the pair had a warm embrace at the net, and Zverev has now shared what he said to the world number 26 after beating him.
Commentator Nick Mullins spotted what Zverev said to his opponent and said on TNT Sports: “That is a lovely note from Zverev to Cobolli. ‘Congratulations on everything you have done this year. You will do much more.’
Zverev has reached three Grand Slam finals in his career, and he might see this year’s Roland Garros event as the one where he finally gets over the line.
What Miles McClagen said about Alexander Zverev’s performance
The commentator was very impressed with the showing that Zverev produced today and quite clearly, he looks to be feeling good on the court at the moment.
McClagen said: ” I do think when he is playing the right way on good form, he is almost unstoppable and can match anybody in the world. He was certainly impressive from the first set, and that’s perhaps dented Cobolli’s belief that he could make an impact here.
“He was proactive, looked to get his forehand in to play. He was landing a huge amount of first serves, which kept the pressure at bay on his serve.
“We know how solid the backhand is. Perhaps a little let down, understandably, in the second set where Cobolli was able to take advantage but unable to capitalise on a couple of breaks of serve he had on a couple of occasions.
“But this young Italian has had a great start to the year with a couple of titles, that is what Zverev is referring to. He is one of a handful of improving Italians having plenty of success.
“But Zverev had a good performance, which will not have taken too much out of him.”
Zverev will now look to prepare properly and look to reach the last eight when he next takes to the court on Monday.
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