World number seven Alexander Zverev eased past veteran Fernando Verdasco in straight sets to qualify for the pre-quarters of the men’s singles event at the ongoing Australian Open. The 22-year-old defeated Verdasco 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 at the Margaret Court Arena.
Zverev scored 34 winners in comparison to the 22 unforced errors he committed and was quick to respond every time Verdasco seemed to be gaining the momentum. The German was trailing 4-2 in the final set but broke his 36-year-old opponent twice to eventually win it 6-4.
“It’s so far been a good week for me. As I said, it’s going to be a process in every match. It has been getting better. Today was the best match I think I’ve played so far. I’m happy to be through in straight sets against someone we know can play well on these courts, can beat anybody,” Zverev was quoted as said on the official website of ATP Tour.
Zverev, who had a poor outing in the recently-concluded ATP Cup, has been practicing seven hours a day. And his efforts are paying off in a nice manner given the way he has been progressing in the Australian Open so far.
Earlier on the day, world number one Rafael Nadal reached the fourth round, Dominic Thiem also extended his journey in Melbourne. Nadal defeated his countrymate Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to continue his bid to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam title.
World number five Thiem, meanwhile, continued his hard-fought campaign by defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 at the Margaret Court Arena to reach the fourth round of Australian Open for the third time. In the preceding round he came on top of an exhausting five-setter against Australian Alex Bolt.