Hard court mastery: Zverev solves Cerundolo puzzle to reach Melbourne quarterfinals
Alexander Zverev defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Alexander Zverev, 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Alexander Zverev defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 to confirm his status as a perennial title contender at the Australian Open. Last year’s finalist was in clinical form on Sunday, dismantling the world No 21 in exactly two hours.
For the 28-year-old German, this victory represents a significant tactical breakthrough; after losing his first three career meetings against Cerundolo in 2024 and 2025, Zverev has now won the last three encounters, maintaining a perfect 3-0 record against the Argentinian on hard courts. By reaching the final eight, Zverev secures his fifth career Australian Open quarterfinal, a testament to his comfort in the quick conditions of Rod Laver Arena.
Dominance from the Baseline and Quarterfinal Consistency
The No 3 seed entered the match having navigated a tricky path through the opening week, dropping sets against Cameron Norrie, Alexandre Muller, and Gabriel Diallo. However, against Cerundolo, Zverev found a higher gear. He broke the Argentinian’s serve early in all three sets, utilizing his towering height and backhand depth to neutralize Cerundolo’s aggressive forehand.
Cerundolo, the No 18 seed, arrived in the fourth round playing some of the best tennis of his career. The 27-year-old had not dropped a set in his first three matches, including a dominant straight-sets upset over the No 13 seed Andrey Rublev.
Despite his high level earlier in the fortnight, Cerundolo struggled to find a way through the German’s defensive wall on Sunday. Zverev’s ability to serve his way out of trouble – a hallmark of his 2026 run – ensured that Cerundolo never gained the momentum needed to turn the match into a marathon.
A Familiar Foe or a New Sensation Awaits
With this victory, Zverev stays on track for a potential return to the final. His 5-1 start to the 2026 season suggests the German is peaking at the right moment. He now awaits the winner of the blockbuster clash between the No 11 seed and former champion Daniil Medvedev and the 20-year-old American sensation Learner Tien, the No 25 seed.
Whether he faces the tactical brilliance of Medvedev or the youthful energy of Tien, Zverev will carry immense confidence into the second week. Having ironed out the inconsistencies that plagued his earlier rounds, the world No 3 looks poised to challenge for his maiden Grand Slam title. For Cerundolo, the defeat ends a brilliant run, but for Zverev, the quest to go one step further than his 2025 runner-up finish remains very much alive.
