Alexander Zverev’s Australian Open campaign began with a test of patience as the world No. 3 dropped a set before overcoming Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in the first round at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
The German eventually prevailed 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, advancing to the second round for the 10th consecutive year.
Fresh from finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, Zverev was made to work hard by the aggressive 24-year-old Diallo, ranked 41st in the world.
The Canadian’s booming serve and fearless shot-making unsettled Zverev early, allowing him to surge to a 4-1 lead in the opening set. Although Zverev clawed his way back and saved a set point, Diallo dominated the tiebreak to take the opener.
The momentum shifted decisively after that. Zverev reset quickly, raising his intensity and breaking serve twice to race through the second set in just over half an hour.
A key break in the third set, following a forehand error from Diallo, allowed the German to edge ahead before he tightened his grip in the fourth with another early break.
Despite an inconsistent 2025 season disrupted by injuries and yielding only one title, Zverev remains a contender as he looks to challenge the recent Grand Slam dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner.
Still chasing his maiden major title, the 28-year-old will hope this early escape sharpens his focus for tougher tests ahead in Melbourne.