Zverev off on a tear in Vienna

Alexander Zverev rushed away to a -2, -2 opening result at the ATP Vienna event on Monday as the German notched his 60th victory of the season.

The top seed dispatched teenaged local wild card Joel Schwaerzler 6-2, 6-2 in little more than an hour at the Stadthalle.

The winning total duplicated the best from Zverev during the 2018 season.

“When you come to your home tournament and probably the biggest crowd you have played in front of, as an 18-year-old and you’re playing the World No. 3, it’s not the easiest thing in the world,” Zverev said of his young opponent.

“I did that as a 17-year-old in Hamburg, where I got to the semi-finals and all of a sudden had a sold out stadium and was playing against a certain David Ferrer.

“I was hoping to have a good match, but the match was over half an hour later and I won one game.”

The top seed added: “I know exactly how (Schwaerzler) feels. It’s not an easy situation to be in, but he’s a wonderful player and he’s going to have a wonderful career. Nobody should judge him by this match.”

Zverev is hoping to claim his second title in what has turned into an up-and-down this season after winning Rome last May,

“I had an incredible first six months of the year until Wimbledon. Then I got a little knee injury, and afterwards didn’t feel great at the Olympics. 

“I had some lung issues, kind of like I lost my form a little bit. I wasn’t playing great in the US hard-court swing, and I’m trying to find it back. 

“I’m trying to find my rhythm again and hopefully I can finish this season strong.”

Former world No. 6 Matteo Berrettini joined Zverev in the second round at an event honouring local Dominik Thiem, due to retire here after three years of wrist injury drama.

Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini got his game back on track after an early loss last week in Stockholm, defeatingMarton Fucsovics 7-5, 6-4.

The winner did not face a break point in a contest lasting for nearly two hours.

“I was really pumped before coming here and I’m thrilled to be in the second round,” he told local media.

“The crowd is great, the court is really nice and I like the conditions, so I’m looking forward to the next match.”

Berrettini is searching for a fourth trophy this season after a clay hat-trick in Marrakech, Gstaad and Kitzbuehel. 

The current No. 41 owns a Vienna semi-final in 2019.