PARIS: World No 4 Alexander Zverev reached the French Open third round with a 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-2 victory over experienced Belgian David Goffin today.
The German, who ousted 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round, had to work hard to win the first set tiebreak but broke early in the second.
Former quarterfinalist Goffin nearly broke Zverev’s serve in the fourth game but the German held firm, mixing up his game well to close out the match.
“I was happy that I ran away with it but also happy that I played well,” said Zverev, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semifinals.
Zverev will next face Italian Luciano Darderi or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.