Alexander Zverev took on compatriot Dominik Koepfer, and he had some minor issues at the start but finished strongly to start with a win at the 2024 Australian Open.
At least one analyst picked Zverev as the dark horse to win the Australian Open, and as odd as that sounds, the United Cup performances made it less unlikely. He played amazing tennis, beating some top names like Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the trophy with Germany.
Zverev is not a bad fit in Melbourne, especially with his serve possibly doing a lot of damage. Even so, Koepfer didn't care one bit as he surprised Zverev with some inspired play to take the opening set 6-4.
It wasn't the best set for Zverev, who opted to play attacking tennis, but he misfired far too often. Koepfer was pretty solid on his serve, not allowing a single break point, and it proved enough.
That changed in the second set, as Koepfer couldn't keep the ball in play. He amassed 15 unforced errors, which was a bit too much, especially as he didn't have too many winners.
Zverev took it 6-3, and then we went into the third set, which in many ways was the crucial set. Neither player allowed much as both saved the break points. The set ended up in a tiebreak, and Zverev could pull it out 7-3, largely thanks to his sturdier play and the serve.
He had the serve working for much of the day, and it came in handy in those tight moments when the match was being decided. The final set came a bit easier for Zverev, who was playing really solid tennis.
He won the match in four sets with the final score being 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-3. Now, the German will head to the press room, where he'll answer questions as usually, but this time it will be different.
Yesterday, it was revealed that Zverev will have to appear in court in May due to domestic violence allegations against him, and on Tuesday in Melbourne, various players were asked about the German's case, and whether they feel comfortable with him being in the ATP Players' Council.
Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie, and Grigor Dimitrov were all asked about the case, not providing much of an answer. Probably the loudest voice was women's world no. 1, Iga Swiatek, who said ATP probably "shouldn't promote" a player with such an ongoing case.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominik Koepfer Match Stats:
| Alexander Zverev | Dominik Koepfer | |
| 18 | Aces | 8 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 72% | First Serve % | 69% |
| 78% (74/95) | Points Won After First Serve % | 65% (59/91) |
| 59% (22/37) | Points Won After Second Serve % | 68% (27/40) |
| 25% (2/8) | Break Point Conversion | 11% (1/9) |
| 49 | Winners | 23 |
| 58 | Unforced Errors | 53 |
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