In a surprising upset at the Halle Open, last year's Wimbledon semifinalist Daniil Medvedev faced his first grasscourt season loss on Wednesday, succumbing to Zhang Zhizhen in a hard-fought encounter that ended 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) in the second round. The Russian third seed started shakily but rallied in the second set, utilizing powerful serves and securing crucial breaks against China's Zhang.
However, Medvedev's vulnerability to double faults in the decisive third set proved costly. Zhang, ranked 42nd, capitalized on extended rallies and clinched his first victory over a top-five ranked opponent on grass by winning a tense tiebreak. Reflecting on his win, Zhang expressed satisfaction at avenging his previous defeat to Medvedev in a third-set tiebreak, highlighting the significance of this victory.
Zhang's next challenge will be against American Christopher Eubanks, who advanced after a hard-fought battle against defending champion Alexander Bublik, prevailing 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3. Meanwhile, German world No. 4 Alexander Zverev secured his spot in the quarterfinals by overcoming Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-6(5), with Zverev expressing delight in his performance and enjoyment of playing on the beautiful Halle courts.
Zverev is set to face Frenchman Arthur Fils in the next round, who secured his place with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over fellow German Dominik Koepfer.
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