Alexander Zverev had to work hard in his first match at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco. The 2021 champion faced Matteo Arnaldi and prevailed 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 44 minutes. Thus, Zverev arranged the clash against the young American, Learnen Tien.
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Arnaldi fought well against world no. 2. The Italian claimed the opening set before the favorite raised his level and controlled the pace in sets two and three. Alexander claimed only four points more than his opponent. The German defended all three break points.
He generated four break opportunities and seized two breaks that carried him over the top.
Zverev hit 28 winners and 31 unforced errors. Arnaldi responded with a 27-36 ratio, pushing world no. 2 to the limits but missing a notable victory. They stayed neck and neck in service winners and from the baseline, while Alexander claimed a couple of points more at the net.
The encounter started with nine comfortable holds. Matteo landed a service winner for 5-4 and made a push on the return in the next one. Zverev dropped three straight games and faced a set point after the rival's deep return.
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The German saved it with a powerful serve and landed another for 5-5. The Italian stepped in on the return and claimed two early mini-breaks. He landed a forehand winner for 3-0 and hit a volley winner in the next one to extend the gap.
Zverev pulled one mini-break back before missing a volley and falling 5-2behind. Arnaldi generated four set points and seized the first with an ace, wrapping up the opener after an hour and seven minutes. Facing another early elimination, Zverev served well in the second set.
Alexander seized the third break chance at 2-1 after a crafty behind-the-back backhand and landed a service winner in the next for 4-1. World no. 2 landed an ace for 5-2 and served for the set in game nine. He netted a routine backhand on a set point.
The former champion fixed that on the second, hitting a service winner and taking the set 6-3, forcing a decider after an hour and 57 minutes. Arnaldi squandered a game point at 1-1 in the final set and played a wild forehand on a break point to fall behind.
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Zverev played against two break points in the sixth game and denied them to remain in front. He held with a volley winner at the net and opened a 4-2 gap. Alexander held at 15 in game eight for 5-3 and served for the win in game ten.
World no. 2 landed a service winner for match points and sealed the deal with another, booking a spot in the second round.
