Birthday Boy Zverev Advances In Barcelona

On his 19th birthday, #NextGen star Alexander Zverev booked his spot in the third round of the Barcelona Open BancSabadell with a battling 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-5 victory over 15th seed Thomaz Bellucci.

The German, who won the ATP Star of Tomorrow presented by Emirates award last year, is on the verge of the Top 50 and improved to a 13-9 match record on the season after prevailing in two hours and 28 minutes.

“This is the best birthday present. I have never played a tournament on my birthday before,” said Zverev, who received a birthday cake from tournament director, Albert Costa, during the post-match press conference.”

Zverev served for the match at 6-5 in the second set, but could not close it out as Bellucci fought back to force a decider. Zverev then rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third set, breaking Bellucci to love in the 12th game to seal victory.

“Bellucci is a great player on clay and this will give me confidence. It will be difficult, but I hope to achieve a great result and continue winning here in Barcelona.”

Zverev goes on to face Malek Jaziri, who defeated Renzo Olivo 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

Zverev’s countryman, 10th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber, cruised through, dismissing Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2, 6-1 in just 69 minutes.

Italy’s Fabio Fognini fought from a set down to finish strongly in a 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny. He goes on to face Viktor Troicki, who defeated qualifier Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 1-6, 6-0 in one hour and 49 minutes.