Zverev crushes Greek track at Paris Masters opener, Medvedev out

PARIS: Alexander Zverev started his Paris Masters campaign with a confident 7-6(2) 6-3 win over Tallon Greek Spoor on Wednesday, while Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev was eliminated after losing 6-4 2-6 7-6 (4 ) to Alexei Popyrin.

As the third seed, Zverev was in good form against the Dutchman. He hit 19 winners, made just nine unforced errors and completed 86 percent of his first serves in the 92-minute encounter.

“One of the fastest courts I’ve ever played on. I had to find my rhythm at the beginning, but I was happy to get through in the end,” said the German who became the fourth player to reach the last 16 at all nine ATP Masters. Thousands in one season.

Former US Open champion Medvedev, who emerged from controversy at the same stage last year after what many considered an obscene gesture towards the crowd, failed to make progress as Australian Popyrin overcame a meltdown in the second set to score a booked a place in the next round.

It was also a disappointing evening for Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Fifth seed Fritz lost a tight match to Britain’s Jack Draper 7-6(6) 4-6 6-4, while Shelton was defeated 6-3 7-6(4) by lucky loser Frenchman Arthur Cazaux, who took part in the tournament after Jannik. Sinner withdrew.

In the earlier matches, ninth seed Alex de Minaur of Australia defeated Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4 7-6(5), while 13th seed Dane Holger Rune continued his strong run with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 victory over Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan.

Eighth seed Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov overcame a first-set deficit against Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry to claim a 6-7(9) 6-3 7-5 victory

French 15th seed Ugo Humbert defeated American Marcos Giro 6-3 6-2 to set up a clash with Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, while compatriot Arthur Fils defeated German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-4 drove away.