Alexander Zverev’s quest for a sixth ATP title of 2017 has got off to a shaky start after he edged out Viktor Troicki 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, in the first round of the Vienna Open.
The German world No.5 defeated Troicki earlier this year in straight sets at the Rome Masters to lead their head-to-head 2-1. This time round in Vienna, Zverev encountered stiff resistance from the world No.48. Holding nine consecutive service games, a break during the closing stages of the second set cost him dearly. Reviving his opponent’s chances. Despite the blip, Zverev responded immediately in the decider by racing to a 3-0 lead on route to the win.
“I feel comfortable here. The atmosphere is great with a lot of spectators attending the matches. I won two tournaments indoors. Of course I needed to get used to the conditions again, as I haven’t played indoors for some time. Starting against a strong opponent like Viktor is never easy,” Tennis Tourtalk quoted Zverev as saying after the match.
During the roller coaster encounter, the top seed hit 34 winners to 38 unforced errors. Zverev’s next test will be France’s Gilles Simon. A player who hasn’t won an ATP 500 title since 2011. Simon converted five out of his nine break point opportunities to defeat Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis 6-3, 6-3.
“I played against Gilles three times and won all of the matches, but two of them ended in the tie-break of a third set. So it is going to be difficult again. There are no easy opponents, as it is a very competitive tournament here,” admitted Zverev.
John Isner became the first seeded player to exit this year’s tournament. Facing Philipp Kohlschreiber, the American fifth seed was unable to take advantage of his opportunities. During his 7-6(6), 6-4 loss, a frustrated Isner was up a break in both sets and failed to convert three set points in the tiebreaker.
“I played my best tennis with my back to the wall,” Kohlschreiber said. “Though it is rare that a player like him would give a match away once he is two breaks up.”
John Isner savagely Wawrinkas a racket. pic.twitter.com/xLjcrrJF7r
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) 23 October 2017
France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who will play Kohlschreiber in the second round, disposed of Bernard Tomic 7-6(4), 7-5. Tomic’s bag of tricks included an underarm serve during one game, but it was not enough to secure the win.
Completing the trio of French winners was Richard Gasquet, who eased past Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 6-3.
Dimitrov withdraws
Earlier in the day Grigor Dimitrov pulled out of the tournament. The Bulgarian was set to be the third seed in the tournament, but cited fatigue as the reason for his withdrawal. On Sunday Dimitrov loss to Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the Stockholm Open.
“I was really looking forward to playing in Vienna. However, I had some tough weeks in Asia as well as in Stockholm last week, so that I was physically not able to compete at highest level. I am disappointed but I would be glad to return to Vienna soon,” the world No.8 said in a statement.
Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano will take Dimitrov’s place in the draw.
