Alexander Zverev advances at Australian Open with strong win

World number two maintains momentum in straight-sets victory.

Alexander Zverev of Germany looks on before his men's singles second-round match on day four of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images

By Armandio Alif and Clarisa Sendy

World number two Alexander Zverev continued his strong start to the Australian Open on Wednesday with a dominant straight-sets victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez. The German, aiming for his first Grand Slam title, dispatched Martinez 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in just under two hours on Rod Laver Arena.

Zverev, 27, showed his class from the outset, overwhelming his opponent with a blend of power and precision. The victory propels him into the third round, where he will face Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who secured his spot with a four-set triumph over Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.

Reflecting on his performance, Zverev remarked, “Usually I play 7-6 in the fifth, four-and-a-half hours, but I’m getting older. I have to maybe shorten things up a little bit. Hopefully more to come in the later rounds.”

Zverev wasted no time asserting his dominance against Martinez, breaking serve in the opening game with a crisp backhand winner. He then powered through the first set in just 34 minutes, firing 10 winners and keeping unforced errors to a minimum.

Martinez, ranked 44 in the world, showed resilience in the second set, holding serve until Zverev unleashed back-to-back forehand winners to secure a crucial break at 3-2. From there, the German maintained his grip on the match, never allowing Martinez to regain momentum.

The third set was a mere formality, with Zverev racing to an early 2-0 lead after another decisive break. He sealed the match in commanding fashion, underscoring his status as one of the tournament favorites.

Zverev enters the Australian Open following one of his best seasons, but the elusive Grand Slam title remains a glaring gap in his resume. His runner-up finishes at the 2020 US Open and the French Open last year highlight his potential, yet the ultimate prize has continued to evade him.

“Winning a Grand Slam is the dream,” Zverev admitted in a recent interview. “I’ve been close before, and I feel my game is in the right place to make it happen.”

The German’s confidence is well-founded, as he has developed into one of the most consistent performers on the ATP Tour. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Zverev has matured into a player capable of competing with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Daniil Medvedev.

Awaiting Zverev in the third round is Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, who showcased his tenacity in a hard-fought victory over Arthur Cazaux. While Fearnley is relatively inexperienced at this level, Zverev is not taking anything for granted.

“Every match is a test, and I’ll prepare for him like I would for anyone else,” Zverev said. “The competition only gets tougher from here.”

With several top players facing early exits or injury concerns, Zverev’s path to the latter stages of the Australian Open appears promising. However, he remains focused on taking it one match at a time, emphasizing the importance of consistency and mental fortitude.

Zverev’s commanding win over Martinez serves as a reminder of his capabilities and his determination to finally claim a Grand Slam title. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the world number two to see if this could be the year he breaks through on tennis’s biggest stage.

The German’s journey continues in the third round, where another strong performance could further solidify his status as a serious contender for the Australian Open crown.

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