WATCH: Zverev & Thiem's Handshake Steals the Show After Challenging Match

| by Sebastian Dahlman

Alexander Zverev made a winning start on the grass at the Halle Open beating Dominic Thiem in straight sets after pushing back his return on the surface by a week.

Alexander Zverev had a really strong run in Paris where he advanced to the semi-final for a 3rd consecutive year. Unfortunately, it proved a losing effort as Casper Ruud advanced to the final but it was a good experience overall considering his shaky season up to that point.

The German was a bit physically limited in that match which is why he pushed back his debut on grass this year to Halle. Initially, Zverev planned to return to Stuttgart the week before but opted to postpone things for Halle. It proved a good decision as he was able to cruise past his good friend Dominic Thiem in two simple sets.

Sinner Continues Unbeaten Opening Match Streak In 2023 In Halle
Sinner Continues Unbeaten Opening Match Streak In 2023 In Halle

I’m happy to get the win. Obviously, grass is a difficult surface to get a rhythm on. It was a typical grass match, in a way, one break in each set. All-in-all I’m happy to be through and hopefully will have some more matches here. I was moving well. I was not hitting the ball as well as I wanted to, but it’s very difficult, the first time on grass in two years.

Zverev admitted before the return that he's back to a winning mindset feeling like he can finally challenge for trophies again. It was a long journey towards here but he made a good start in Halle even though it was far from perfect.

After the match, the friends showcased their friendship with a special handshake that left many in attendance and on social media amazed. Thiem and Zverev have been longtime friends counting each other among their closest friends on the ATP Tour. Check out the warm embrace between the players and the signature handshake below.

Daniil Medvedev Earns First Grass Win In Halle
Daniil Medvedev Earns First Grass Win In Halle

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