Alexander Zverev Falls to Tommy Paul in Cincinnati Thriller

Alexander Zverev crashed out of the Cincinnati Open after Tommy Paul saved a match point and fought back for a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory in a rain-hit contest on Wednesday.

Zverev took the opening set and led 4-3 in the second before rain forced a suspension. The break appeared to work in Paul’s favour, as the American returned with greater focus, saved a match point and levelled the contest.

The Cincinnati Open clash then turned in Paul’s favour in the deciding set. Although Zverev moved 4-2 ahead, Paul refused to lose momentum and won four consecutive games to complete the comeback. The victory also secured his first quarterfinal appearance at the tournament.

Zverev produced 14 aces but struggled with his serve, recording nine double faults and a foot fault in the final set.

Paul will meet Flavio Cobolli, who defeated Spain’s Rafael Jodar 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3. The Italian reached his second Masters-level quarterfinal of the season after Madrid, with all three of his wins in Cincinnati coming in three sets.

Elsewhere, Thiago Tirante overcame Jakub Mensik 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, while Arthur Fils beat Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek defeated Diane Parry 6-3, 6-3 and will face Elena Rybakina in a repeat of last week’s Toronto final. Marta Kostyuk also upset French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, while Amanda Anisimova defeated Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

Do you think Tommy Paul can go all the way at the Cincinnati Open?