Zverev rallies from 2-5 in deciding set to stay alive in Monte Carlo
German tennis player Alexander Zverev reacts during his men's singles round of 32 tennis match against Chile's Cristian Garin at the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament. Felice Calabro/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa Germany's Alexander Zverev rallied from 0-4 and 2-5 in the deciding set against Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin to advance to the last 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters. The world number three eventually beat Garin 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, saving three break points before sealing victory on his third match point.
"My level was not there at all to be honest. But it was my first clay-court match in 11 months. I didn't have much time to prepare as I played well in Miami.
I am happy to get the win," Zverev said. "It was a tough match and he is someone playing well, especially here. At the end of the day, sometimes it is just about getting the win.
" Zverev will next meet Belgian Zizou Bergs, who defeated Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-1. Brazilian João Fonseca, meanwhile, became the youngest man to reach the Monte Carlo Masters last 16 since Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet in 2005. The 19-year-old beat Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 5-6, 6-3 to set up a clash against Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the next round.
German tennis player Alexander Zverev in action against Chile's Cristian Garin during their men's singles round of 32 tennis match of the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament. Felice Calabro/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa