Alexander Zverev outlasts Fabio Fognini as Dominic Thiem produces his ‘best match so far’
Alexander Zverev required four sets to see off Fabio Fognini in the last 16 of the French Open with his reward a clash against world No 1 Novak Djokovic.
The fifth-seeded Zverev required two five setters in two of his first three matches at Roland Garros and on Tuesday he came from a set down to beat the Italian 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) in just under three hours.
“I didn’t start well and he did. He played very aggressive, hitting the ball very hard, which made it difficult,” the German said. “But then after first set, I played three very good sets, very solid from my part. And I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals.”
Zverev was broken twice in the first set, but the ninth-seeded Fognini didn’t get another break off his serve after that.
He will be up against a fresh Djokovic in the last eight after the world No 1 took just three sets to beat Jan Lennard-Struff.
"I thought to myself, after every match, I'm gonna say something positive."
Alexander Zverev talks with @BrettHaber about his newfound positivity and what he needs to do to beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals.#RG19 @AlfaRomeoUSA pic.twitter.com/sCG6KPoaI3
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 3, 2019
Last year’s runner-up Dominic Thiem continues to impress as the fourth seed was a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 winner over Gael Monfils from France.
Thiem, who will face either Juan Martin del Potro or Karan Khachanov in the quarter-final, raced into a 4-0 lead as he broke the 14th seed twice and Monfils never really recovered.
“It was a really good match, my best match so far in this tournament,” said Thiem. “It was the first match for me at this tournament, where it didn’t have any up-and-downs. It was really solid. I’m very happy.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.