Alexander Zverev beat Alexander Bublik 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-6 (1) on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. It was his first match since securing the year-end No. 1 ranking.
Zverev saved three set points in the first-set tiebreaker. He has now beaten Bublik only twice in five career meetings.
Zverev Battles Through Physical Issues
Zverev said his ankle bothered him during the match. “My ankle was acting up, unfortunately,” Zverev said. “It was kind of understandable because I have been playing a lot of tennis, which is kind of a good sign because I have been playing well. I am starting to feel my body more and more but I am happy to get through.”
Bublik led in aces, 20-15, but he also hit eight double faults to Zverev’s one.
Ranking Milestone Secured
On Monday, third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz lost, which assured Zverev of finishing the year at the top of the rankings. Zverev is currently No. 2, but he will overtake top-ranked Jannik Sinner next month. Sinner ended his season due to right knee inflammation.
Zverev has already won the French Open and U.S. Open this year, giving him his first two Grand Slam titles.
Next Up
Zverev will next face Alex de Minaur, who has won their last two meetings, both at the Laver Cup.
In another second-round result, Arthur Gea defeated Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4.