Alexander Zverev shakes off Marin Cilic in Madrid

MADRID: Reigning Madrid Open champion Alexander Zverev began his title defence on Wednesday with a tough three-set win against Marin Cilic at Manolo Santana Stadium, here.

The German made a slow start in the second-round meeting, but found his range as the match went on. He fired 11 aces and hit his heavy groundstrokes with more authority in the second and third sets to maintain his strong record against the Croatian, advancing 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"I thought I played very well. I just lost focus in the first set. But I am happy with the win and I am happy to be though. Marin is a difficult opponent, especially with the altitude here, so I am happy with this match," Zverev said.

Following his two-hour, 17-minute triumph, the 25-year-old has earned 16 match victories in Madrid, his best record at any Masters 1000 event. Agencies

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