Tennis News • Close Calls Abound On Court Philippe Chatrier, Including Zverev Against Millman

Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning against John Millman of Australia their men’s first round match during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 28 May 2019. EPA-EFE/JULIEN DE ROSA

 

 

By Ricky Dimon

 

Alexander Zverev has lost a few too many times in the early rounds of Grand Slams. Although he did not quite bow out of the French Open on Wednesday, the German once again put his fans through the ringer.

 

Or to be exact, Zverev put his fans through another five-set roller-coaster.

 

The 22-year-old held off John Millman 7-6(4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-3 after four hours and nine minutes of play to begin the final day of first-round action. Zverev earned a break of Millman’s serve at 4-3 in the fifth and held serve with easy one game later to finally clinch victory.

 

“I’m here to play my best,” the world No. 5 stated. “I’m here to win matches. Today was a tough one. I’m excited to what’s coming ahead. Most important, I’m still in the tournament, and that’s all that matters.”

 

Two top women–two of the top three seeds, in fact–also remained in the tournament after succeeding Zverev on Chartrier with matches that went the distance. Naomi Osaka overcame Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 and Simona Halep scraped past Alja Tomljanovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

 

Schmiedlova served for the match against Osaka at 6-5 in the second but could not seal the deal. Halep never found herself in such dire straights, as she led by a set and then had no trouble recovering in the third following her loss of the middle frame.

 

“For me I think this is the most nervous I have ever been my entire life during a match,” Osaka admitted. “I think you could see that in the first set. I was literally not hitting any balls in the court. Today was weird because usually the nerves go away, but [they] kind of stayed the entire match. Then I just felt like it was a fight of willpower.”

 

“I had different nerves, for sure, because I’m the first time in this position to be the defending champion,” Halep commented. “But it’s a nice feeling, so I can’t complain. It’s nice to be in this position.

 

“Of course I feel the pressure, because I have also expectations for myself. I always play well here, so I want also this year to be the same.”

 

Most of the world’s best on both the men’s and women’s side still have a chance for a big year at Roland Garros. But they would sure like it round two features much less pressure and drama.

 

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.