Double German title dream still alive for Zverev

Alexander Zverev stayed in the chase for a second title in Germany this season, with the local top seed opening his account 6-2, 6-1 in 79 minutes on Wednesday over Marcos Giron at the ATP Halle event.

The pre-Wimbledon grass tournament is headed by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, with Zverev hoping to duplicate the Munich trophy he claimed in April.

He missed his chance at a double 72 hours ago with a loss in the Stuttgart final to Taylor Fritz.

“It was a great match from me. I thought it was quite high level,” Zverev said of his opening effort in Halle,

 “Maybe he wanted to play a bit better than he did, but I felt like I didn’t let him play that well, which was important for me. A good start to the tournament and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

The world No. 3 improved to 9-8 in Halle, where he lost finals in 2016 and 2017.

The winner of 24 ATP titles is aiming for his seventh at home but first on German grass.. 

Zverev cemented victory over American Giron as he won the last seven games of the opening-round match

Zverev sprinted away from 2-all in the opening set, claiming it on his fifth chance.

He then continued to dominate the second set, dropping just one game and advancing on his first match point while never facing a break point.

“I just felt aggressive generally, especially on the returns,” he said. “I was taking time away from him. 

“He moves quite well and can control the rallies quite well. I had to take that away. All in all I was happy with today.”

Zverev moved into a clash with Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.