INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Alexander Zverev continued his strong start to the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, defeating Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round. The fourth-seeded German, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, has already surpassed his performance from last year’s tournament with the win. Zverev stated after the match, “I had the game under control early and never gave it away.”
The victory at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden sets up a third-round matchup for Zverev against either American Brandon Nakashima or Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Although a seven-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, Zverev has yet to claim a title in Indian Wells, with quarterfinal appearances in 2021 and 2024 representing his best results to date. “This is a place where I haven’t played my best tennis so far, but I will do everything I can to make it better this year,” Zverev added.
Berrettini Proved a Manageable Opening Test
Zverev controlled the match against Berrettini, demonstrating a dominant performance. While the Italian managed to save one break point in the first set, he was ultimately outmatched, a contrast to their previous encounters. The 28-year-old Zverev didn’t face a single break point throughout the entire match, a testament to his serving prowess and overall control.
“He had beaten me the last two times,” Zverev acknowledged, referencing past defeats to Berrettini. “I’m satisfied. He has a massive serve. If you manage to control the game against him, then you can do it against pretty much anyone.” Zverev struck 19 winners to just 11 unforced errors, winning 82 percent of his second serve points, according to the ATP Tour.
Berrettini, speaking to Italian media following the match, reportedly expressed his impression of Zverev’s development since their last meeting. The German capitalized on his form, securing the victory after 71 minutes with his first match point.
From Sombrero Celebrations in Acapulco to Focus in the Desert
Zverev’s path to Indian Wells included a mixed showing in Acapulco earlier this month. He suffered a surprising defeat in the singles round of 16, where he was the top seed. However, he found success in the doubles competition, partnering with Brazil’s Marcelo Melo to claim the title and celebrating the win with a sombrero. This contrasting experience highlights the fluctuating nature of Zverev’s recent form.
The win over Berrettini marks a positive shift for Zverev, who is looking to build momentum as the tournament progresses. His ability to control the match and avoid break points demonstrates a level of consistency that will be crucial as he faces tougher opponents in the coming rounds. For a player who has consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments, a deep run in Indian Wells remains a significant goal.
It’s worth noting that the BNP Paribas Open boasts a total prize pool of $9.4 million (approximately €8.1 million), adding further incentive for players to perform at their best. The Californian desert setting provides a unique atmosphere and the tournament consistently attracts a global audience of tennis enthusiasts.
Zverev’s performance in Indian Wells is particularly noteworthy given his past struggles at the event. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has never been able to translate that into a championship run. This year, however, he appears determined to change that narrative.
The tournament is too seeing strong performances from other top players. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka launched her bid for an elusive first Indian Wells title with a dominant 6-4, 6-2 second-round victory over Japanese qualifier Himeno Sakatsume, according to reporting from NBC Right Now.
Zverev’s next opponent will present a modern challenge, but his current form and positive mindset suggest he is well-equipped to continue his progress at the BNP Paribas Open. The tournament continues with further second and third-round matches throughout the weekend.
Next up for Zverev is a third-round match against either Brandon Nakashima or Camilo Ugo Carabelli. Match times and broadcast details will be announced by the tournament organizers. Fans can follow the latest updates and scores on the official BNP Paribas Open website and through the ATP Tour’s social media channels.
