SkiStar Swedish Open, Bastad

[CR123] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. [CR926] Julian Reister (GER)

Zverev overcame the windy conditions and a determined countryman, Reister, to get the first round victory 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3. It’s a well needed win as Zverev’s ranking has dropped out of the top one hundred this week. The windy conditions did not help and Reister proved to be a sterner challenge than anticipated. Despite the 800 plus ranking spots that separated them, Reister, the older player, was the more consistent player in the first set. He handled the conditions much better than our spotlight player, Zverev.  However, once Zverev got some rhythm in his game, he was able to compete better and combat both obstacles.

It was still a match strewn with too many errors from the teenager, but he should be able to adjust to the conditions as the tournament progresses. His adjustment will have to be rapid though; his next opponent is the veteran clay court player, Juan Monaco. He has the game if he stays positive to derail Zverev’s plans. Does Zverev get the upset victory or will Monaco prevail? This is their first meeting and I expect there will be a few rough patches as the players assess each other early in the match. However, I think Zverev is up to the challenge. If he maintains his calm, remembers that he has as many weapons, and avoids extended rallies, he should move into the third round.