Zverev starts Madrid campaign with hard-fought victory
Hope
Germany’s Alexander Zverev secured a hard-fought opening victory at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday, overcoming a mid-match dip to beat Mariano Navone in three sets.
The second seed won 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to extend his unbeaten run in opening matches in Madrid. Zverev, chasing a third title in the Spanish capital, dropped serve twice in the second set before regaining control to close out the match in one hour and 43 minutes.
Zverev converted four of eight break-point opportunities in his first career meeting with Navone, who is currently ranked world number 45. The German also maintained his strong record this season when winning the opening set.
Despite not yet winning a title in 2026, Zverev has shown consistency on tour. He reached the semi-finals in five of his six tournaments prior to Madrid and currently sits third in the ATP Live Race to Turin, behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
A two-time Madrid champion (2018, 2021), Zverev will next face Terence Atmane in the third round. Atmane advanced after defeating compatriot Ugo Humbert in straight sets.
Elsewhere, Karen Khachanov and Jakub Mensik progressed to the third round with comfortable victories. Khachanov beat Adam Walton 6-2, 6-3, while Mensik overcame qualifier Martin Damm 6-3, 6-4.
Khachanov and Mensik are set to meet for the third time on tour, with Khachanov having won both previous encounters. The winner of that match will face either Zverev or Atmane in the fourth round.
