Paris, (UNI) German tennis sensation Alexander Zverev showcased his prowess at the 2024 French Open, securing a commanding victory over David Goffin to advance to the tournament’s third round here on Thursday.
After a compelling showdown with Rafael Nadal earlier in the week, Zverev demonstrated his mettle once again, defeating Goffin with a solid 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph. Despite facing early pressure, Zverev maintained his composure throughout the match, showcasing his undeniable skill on the court.
With this win, Zverev notches his 90th career Grand Slam victory, with an impressive 30 of those wins achieved at the French Open. The victory serves as a testament to Zverev’s determination to silence critics who have doubted his ability to claim the title, including recent remarks made by Rennae Stubbs.
Although the match saw its share of challenges, including a delay caused by a roof leak and a disagreement with the umpire, Zverev remained unfazed, ultimately dominating the court and outclassing his opponent in a brisk two hours and 23 minutes.
As Zverev’s title aspirations gain momentum, other top contenders, including Novak Djokovic, continue to navigate their path through the tournament. Despite improving weather conditions, the schedule remains tight, with several matches still to be played, raising the possibility of further delays and cancellations.
With Zverev’s stellar performance and Djokovic’s continued quest for victory, the French Open promises to deliver more thrilling tennis action in the days to come.
Meanwhile, Danielle Collins, once deemed a top contender for the title, faced a stunning upset defeat at the hands of Olga Danilovic, with a final score of 6-7, 7-5, 6-4.
Collins, known for her consistent performance on the WTA Tour throughout 2024, unexpectedly fell short against the Serbian qualifier, who notably partnered with Novak Djokovic in this year’s United Cup as the top female player.
Danilovic’s victory swiftly followed Djokovic’s triumph on Court Philippe-Chatrier, propelling her into the third round alongside her compatriot.
Despite Collins’ recent successes, including triumphs in Miami and Charleston, her decision to compete in Strasbourg last week, where she reached the final, may now be scrutinised. This defeat marks only her third loss in recent months, with previous setbacks against Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, the latter occurring in Strasbourg’s final.
Questions arise regarding Collins’ rigorous schedule leading up to the French Open, especially considering Keys’ victory earlier in the day, positioning her as a potential challenger for Emma Navarro. For Collins, however, the outcome may signal a misstep in her preparation.
Danilovic, who had previously posed challenges for Collins during her return to Madrid, emerged as a formidable opponent once again. Despite Collins’ initial lead, Danilovic managed to stage a comeback, ultimately securing a remarkable victory. Her journey from qualifying to the third round, defeating a tournament favorite along the way, marks a significant milestone in her career.
The Serbian’s steady progress since representing her country alongside Djokovic in the United Cup earlier in the year culminated in this career-best win, significantly impacting Collins’ section of the draw. As Danilovic celebrates her triumph, Collins faces the reality of a formidable obstacle encountered on her path to French Open glory.
