Alexander Zverev overcame blood, sweat and Robin Haase to reach the second round in Halle 6-4 7-5.
The German overcame a serious fall in the second set to beat Robin Haase in straight sets to reach the second round in Halle.
After a comfortable first set, Zverev won the last five games and recovered from a break down in the second set to reach the next round.
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Next up in the second seed’s preparations for Wimbledon is Steve Johnson, who beat Philipp Kohlschrieber today.
It was a positive start from the world number five as he overcame early struggles to dominate rallies from the baseline.
After an aggressive start from Haase, Zverev took advantage of a poor game from the Dutchman to take an early break for a 3-2 lead.
That was the only break in the match despite Haase creating a couple of break points and moving the tall German around the court.
After sealing the opening set in 39 minutes, the second set was much more complicated from Zverev who needs a good week in Halle ahead of Wimbledon.
The second seed took a nasty tumble mid-way through the second game as he screamed in pain after twisting his knee, which needed treatment to clean up some blood.
In-fact after that incident, Zverev slipped twice more on the court as he wasn’t happy with conditions on Centre Court.
Meanwhile on the other side of the net, Haase had trouble taking advantage of Zverev’s dip in form as he failed to capitalise on a 3-0 lead.
That wasn’t the end of the world number 66’s troubles as he also failed to serve out the second set as he was just too predictable.
In the end the Roland Garros quarter-finalist completed a run of five consecutive games to seal the win and book his place in the second round.
On day one of the main draw there were also wins for Karen Khachanov, who beat Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets, and Pierre-Hughes Herbert.
The Frenchman beat compatriot Gael Monfils in straight sets, despite some more Monfils magic on show in Halle.
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