Overview
- Alexander Zverev defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 2:6, 7:6 (7:3), 7:6 (7:0) to reach the Madrid Open round of 16, marking his seventh consecutive win.
- During the match, Zverev clashed with umpire Mohamed Lahyani over a disputed Hawk-Eye line call, photographing a ball mark and receiving a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Zverev admitted to playing poorly in the first set, describing his performance as 'schrecklich' and struggling to find rhythm early in the match.
- The Madrid Open field is unusually open, with top players like Jannik Sinner (doping ban), Carlos Alcaraz (injury), Novak Djokovic, and Andrey Rublev already out of contention.
- Zverev now faces Francisco Cerúndolo in the round of 16, seeking to build momentum ahead of the French Open, where he aims for his first Grand Slam title.