Zverev clinches 50th win of season, advances in Cincinnati

Alexander Zverev became the first player to earn 50 tour-level wins this season on Thursday at the Cincinnati Open, where he overcame Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2 for an opening win at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The German dominated throughout the 78-minute clash and coped with a 10-minute rain delay in the second set. The 27-year-old hugged the baseline to strike 16 winners compared to nine from Khachanov, improving to 5-2 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

"I felt well on the court," Zverev said. "I have felt well in practise and then it is easier to bring on court. I didn't feel well in Canada at all, even in the few matches I won. I hope my form is getting better and better and I can play some good tennis.

"We are very similar players. We are both very tall and good baseline players and when we are both playing it is about form and who is playing better and today I am happy that it was me and I got a good win today."

Zverev, who lifted the trophy in Cincinnati in 2021, will play Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round.

Zverev has earned at least 50 tour-level wins in a season five times in his career, having also hit the milestone in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Earlier this year, the No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings won his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title in Rome and will be eager to add to that total in Ohio, where he is the third seed.

"It has been a good year but I have had some very tough losses that I have had to take," Zverev said. "It is about learning and improving and hopefully I can get back to a Grand Slam final and hopefully win it."

2024 Win Leaders

*Compete later on Thursday

A deep run in Cincinnati will also boost Zverev’s hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. A two-time champion at the year-end event, Zverev is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

In other action, fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz rallied past Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 to reach the third round. The Pole fired 16 aces according to Infosys ATP Stats en route to victory in two hours and 11 minutes. Hurkacz will next play Flavio Cobolli after the Italian advanced due to Luciano Darderi retiring due to illness. Cobolli led 7-6(4), 3-1 when play was stopped.