Alexander Zverev’s quest for a third Mutua Madrid Open title took an unexpected turn Monday night—not just because of a late-match scare from Terence Atmane, but because of a physical issue that left the German star questioning his readiness for the next round.

Zverev ultimately overcame the 24-year-old French qualifier 6-3, 7-6(2) in one hour and 37 minutes, extending his flawless record at the ATP Masters 1000 event to nine straight appearances in the Round of 16. But the victory came with a caveat: after the match, Zverev revealed he was dealing with back pain that made the final stages “difficult.”

A Late Wobble and a Tiebreak Rescue

The match began as a routine affair for Zverev, who dominated the first set and raced to a 5-2 lead in the second. But Atmane, ranked No. 74 in the world and playing in just his second career Masters 1000 main draw, suddenly found his range. The Frenchman broke back to 4-5, then held serve to force a tiebreak, where he berated himself for unforced errors as Zverev regained control.

“I played a very good match until 6-3, 5-2,” Zverev said post-match. “Then I had to see what the problem was. It was difficult.”

His comments, first reported in Spanish-language outlets and later confirmed by the ATP Tour, suggested the pain flared up late in the second set. Zverev declined to specify the exact nature of the issue but acknowledged it affected his movement and serve.

Got the job done ✅

@AlexZverev gets past Atmane 6-3, 7-6(2).

@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/z19xZBFmQh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 27, 2026

Madrid Dominance Despite Early-Season Struggles

Zverev’s victory solidifies his status as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. With a 27-6 career record in Madrid, he trails only Rafael Nadal (53), Roger Federer (38), Novak Djokovic (36) and Andy Murray (30) for the most wins in the event’s history, per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

This year’s Madrid campaign marks a turnaround for Zverev, who entered 2026 with mixed results. After reaching the Australian Open final, he suffered early exits in Indian Wells and Monte-Carlo. Now, with his Round of 16 appearance, he joins Jannik Sinner as the only players to reach the second week at all four Masters 1000 events this season.

The two could meet in the Madrid final if both advance, though Zverev trails their head-to-head 4-2 this year after Sinner halted his runs in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo.

Next Up: A Test Against Rising Star Jakub Mensik

Zverev’s next opponent is 18-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik, who earned his spot in the Round of 16 by saving three match points against Karen Khachanov. Mensik, a former junior world No. 1, has been one of the breakout stars of 2026, climbing to No. 42 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday at Manolo Santana Stadium, could be a clash of styles: Zverev’s power baseline game against Mensik’s aggressive all-court approach. But Zverev’s fitness will be the wildcard.

“I’ll have to see how I feel tomorrow,” Zverev said. “Right now, I’m just happy to be through.”

Title Implications Amid Withdrawals

Zverev’s path to a third Madrid title has been eased by the withdrawals of top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, both of whom pulled out due to injury. With Sinner the only remaining player ranked above him, Zverev is now the highest-seeded contender left in the draw.

The tournament’s $8.2 million prize purse and 1000 ranking points make it a critical stop on the road to the French Open, which begins May 25. For Zverev, who has yet to win a Grand Slam on clay, Madrid represents a chance to build momentum—and confidence—on his preferred surface.

Key Takeaways

• Zverev advances despite back pain: The German star defeated Terence Atmane 6-3, 7-6(2) but later revealed physical discomfort, calling the match “difficult.”
• Madrid dominance continues: Zverev has now reached the Round of 16 in all nine of his appearances at the tournament, with a 27-6 career record.
• Next test: Jakub Mensik: The 18-year-old Czech, who saved three match points against Khachanov, awaits in the Round of 16.
• Title race shaken up: With Alcaraz and Djokovic out, Zverev is the highest-seeded remaining player and a favorite for the title.
• Fitness remains a question: Zverev’s back pain could impact his preparation for the next round, though he downplayed its severity post-match.

What’s Next

Zverev’s Round of 16 match against Jakub Mensik is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at approximately 7:00 PM CEST (5:00 PM UTC) on Manolo Santana Stadium. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, where a potential semifinal showdown with Jannik Sinner looms.

For real-time updates, follow the official Mutua Madrid Open website or the ATP Tour’s X (Twitter) account.