Zverev Upset in Montreal, Blames Balls After 'Worst Match'
His public critique of the tournament balls drew fan backlash and raises questions about his form ahead of Cincinnati.
Overview
- Alexander Zverev was beaten by Tallon Griekspoor in the first round of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Thursday, losing 6(3)-7, 6-2, 6-4.
- Zverev called the match "probably my worst match of the whole season" and said the conditions and Wilson balls used in Montreal can produce "strange-ish results."
- Match statistics underlined his struggles as he made 27 unforced errors and created only one break point, and he also lost his only doubles match in Montreal with partner Marcelo Melo.
- Play was interrupted twice for heat-related spectator medical incidents during the third set, and Zverev drew applause for bringing ice and water to an ill fan after one stoppage.
- Fans and commentators criticized Zverev on social media for appearing to blame equipment rather than praising Griekspoor, and he will turn next to the Cincinnati Open starting the week of August 13.