Last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist Daniil Medvedev experienced his first defeat of the grasscourt season on Wednesday, losing 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) to Zhang Zhizhen in the Halle Open’s second round.
Russian third seed Medvedev began unsteadily but regained momentum in the second set, delivering five aces and breaking China’s Zhang twice. Despite this comeback, Medvedev’s double faults proved costly in the decisive third set. Zhang, ranked 42nd, endured long rallies in the tiebreak to secure his first victory over a top-five player on grass and advance to the quarter-finals.
“It was a really tough match,” Zhang remarked. “Last time I lost to him in a third set tiebreak. When we went into a third set tiebreak today I was thinking, perfect moment for revenge.”
Next up for Zhang is American Christopher Eubanks, who ousted defending champion Alexander Bublik 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3.
German world number four Alexander Zverev also progressed to the last eight, overcoming Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-6(5) after a tightly contested tiebreak in the second set.
“Extremely happy with my performance,” the 27-year-old Zverev said. “I’m enjoying the moment on these beautiful courts, happy with the way I’m playing.”
Zverev, the second seed, will next compete against Frenchman Arthur Fils, who defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 6-3, 6-4.
