Roland-Garros, round of 16 – Alexander Zverev qualified for the quarter-finals after his victory over Zapata Miralles

Alexander Zverev is still alive in this Roland-Garros. But, once again, the German struggled to ensure his qualification. Opposed to the surprise of this tournament in the men’s table, the Spaniard Bernabé Zapata Miralles, the 3rd in the world qualified after a match in three sets (7-6, 7-5, 6-3) very difficult, Sunday, in Paris. He will play against Carlos Alcaraz or Karen Khachanov his 4th quarter-final at Porte d’Auteuil, the 8th in Grand Slam.

Given the time displayed on the stopwatch, 2:45, to say that he did well is true. For two rounds, Zverev had all the trouble in the world to make the difference against the native of Valencia, who received a standing ovation from the public at Suzanne-Lenglen despite his defeat. It’s customary, especially during this Roland, the crowd likes the outsiders who give it to each other. Like his idol David Ferrer, Zapata Miralles rushed to the four corners of the court to hold the dragee high for the finalist of the US Open 2020. And not without playing quality tennis.

63 unforced errors for Zverev

The match was played out in the first two sets, when Zapata Miralles tied the game and even did almost everything better than Zverev. Too bad he was not more solid than that behind his commitment. His ability to bring it all back and make him play extra drove Mischa’s brother crazy.

This weak point cost him, among other things, to complete the first set in the deciding game – he had three set points on his serve at 8-7, 9-8 and 11-10 – and to complete the second set where he has twice the break before getting stuck at 4-3. Although his tireless reputation was once again verified, the 25-year-old finally capitulated in the last act where Zverev regained some of his tennis.

The copy returned by the native of Hamburg was not exceptional. With 63 unforced errors, 8 double faults, 64% of points won behind her serve, a sinusoidal form, and constant annoyance, the seeded No. 3 has already done much better in her career, if only at attitude level.

But even by pulling the face, Zverev always manages to sublimate himself and win the hot spots, as during his 2nd round against Sebastian Baez. His first ball and especially his forehand still helped him a lot in important moments. Anyway, the “winning ugly” – winning it by playing very badly – is not forbidden. But if he wants to do anything in this tournament, Zverev will have to raise his level. Against a member of the top 10, this unequal level will not be enough.