HALLE, Germany — In a dramatic turn of events at the Halle Open, Alexander Zverev battled through illness and a mid-match nosebleed to secure a hard-fought victory over Italy's Flavio Cobolli. Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev also overcame physical struggles to advance, proving resilience is as much a part of tennis as powerful serves and precise groundstrokes.
Zverev's Gritty Performance Amid Physical Struggles
The German world No. 4, Zverev, faced an unexpected challenge beyond his opponent when he suddenly sprinted off the court during the second set, visibly unwell. "I felt dizzy and nauseous," Zverev admitted after the match. "I knew I had to get off the court quickly—I didn’t want to vomit in front of everyone." Despite the setback, he returned minutes later, wiping his face with a towel, and managed to close out the match 7-6(4), 6-3.
The incident wasn’t Zverev’s only physical hurdle. Earlier in the match, he suffered a nosebleed, requiring medical attention. "It was one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did," he joked post-match. Yet, his determination shone through, showcasing why he remains a favorite on grass ahead of Wimbledon.
Key Moments from Zverev vs. Cobolli
- Zverev saved three break points in the first-set tiebreak.
- Cobolli struggled with unforced errors (28 in total).
- Zverev’s first-serve percentage dipped to 58% after his illness.
- The German sealed the win with a 128 mph ace, his fastest of the match.
Medvedev Battles Through in Straight Sets
Daniil Medvedev, the tournament’s second seed, also faced adversity but in a different form. The Russian revealed post-match that he had been dealing with a lingering stomach issue. "I didn’t feel 100%, but sometimes you just have to push through," Medvedev said after defeating Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4.
Medvedev’s trademark defensive skills were on full display, frustrating Borges with his ability to retrieve seemingly impossible shots. The Portuguese player, ranked 56th, struggled to find answers against Medvedev’s deep returns and tactical variations.
Despite his discomfort, Medvedev’s stats were impressive:
- 83% of first-serve points won
- Only 12 unforced errors
- Converted 3 of 5 break points
What’s Next for Zverev and Medvedev?
Zverev will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Dominik Koepfer in the next round. "I hope I recover quickly," he said. "Grass is a short season, and every match matters before Wimbledon." Medvedev, meanwhile, awaits the winner of Marcos Giron vs. Christopher Eubanks.
Both players are considered strong contenders for the Halle title, a key Wimbledon warm-up event. Zverev, a two-time Halle finalist (2016, 2017), is seeking his first grass-court title since 2018. Medvedev, the 2021 Mallorca champion, is looking to add another grass trophy to his collection.
Reactions from the Tennis World
Fans and analysts praised the duo’s resilience. Former player and commentator Boris Becker tweeted: "Zverev and Medvedev showed today why mental toughness separates the greats from the rest. Playing through sickness? That’s championship mentality."
Cobolli, despite the loss, acknowledged Zverev’s fight: "He was clearly struggling, but he’s a top player for a reason. He knows how to win even when not at his best." Borges, too, commended Medvedev’s adaptability: "He makes you work for every point, no matter how he’s feeling."
Conclusion: A Test of Willpower
The Halle Open’s opening rounds delivered drama beyond just tennis. Zverev and Medvedev’s victories underscored the physical and mental demands of the sport. As the tournament progresses, their ability to recover will be crucial—especially with Wimbledon looming. For now, though, their performances stand as a testament to the grit required at the highest level.
"Sometimes winning ugly is just as important as winning pretty," Zverev remarked with a smile. On this day, both he and Medvedev did exactly that.