Match Report
Zverev clinches 50th win of season, advances in Cincinnati
German chasing second title of year
August 15, 2024
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Alexander Zverev improves to 5-2 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Karen Khachanov.
By ATP Staff
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.
Zverev, who lifted the trophy in Cincinnati in 2021, will play Australian Max Purcell or 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.
2024 Win Leaders
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.
* Compete later on Thursday
