ATP Tour

Zverev saves 4 MPs, survives Landaluce test in Vienna

Alexander Zverev survived a massive first-round scare Tuesday at the Erste Bank Open, where he saved four match points to escape 20-year-old Martin Landaluce.

The top seed escaped 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(11), converting his fifth match point to conclude the high-quality, three-hour and five-minute tussle. Landaluce's four match points all came in the deciding-set tie-break, which lasted more than 20 minutes.

“[I was pushed] to the absolute limit,” said Zverev, who shared a warm embrace with Landaluce at net. “Martin played a helluva match. The first forehand after the serve was unbelievable, I barely touched a ball. So, definitely credit to him, he played an amazing match.

“I know I have to improve, for sure. It was not perfect from me, but he pushed me today, absolutely.”

Should Zverev reach the quarter-finals in Vienna, the German is guaranteed to become World No. 1 for the first time in his career on 2 November, overtaking Jannik Sinner for the top spot.

Improving to 63-16 on the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Zverev awaits Brussels champion Tallon Griekspoor or World No. 17 Brandon Nakashima in the second round.

Landaluce is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Reggio Calabria. The Spaniard is in position to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals for the second consecutive year.