Bavarian tuesday

Qualifier Alex Molcan: Alexander Zverev dug deep to hold off a fierce Miomir Kecmanovic comeback on Tuesday at the Munich Open, where he produced some late magic on his way to securing a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2) victory in the first round in Munich.

Competing as the top seed and defending champion at the clay ATP 500, Zverev kept his composure after Kecmanovic rallied from a set and break down to push the match into the decider. Placed at No. 3 spot in the ATP Rankings, Zverev raised his level impressively in the deciding-set tie-break, when he produced some of his best tennis of the match, including a stunning reaction tweener volley at 4/1 after Kecmanovic clipped the net with a backhand.

Zverev, who is chasing a record fourth Munich title this week, won 85 per cent (11/13) of points at the net against Kecmanovic, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index. With his two-hour, 19-minute triumph, the German avenged his defeat to Kecmanovic in Acapulco in February.