Zverev overcomes spirited challenge from Murray to reach Indian Wells fourth round

Andy Murray showed that he still has the game to compete against the best before just falling short to Olympic gold medalist in an entertaining third-round clash at the BNP Paribas Open

Alexander Zverev (GER) hitting a forehand during his men’s singles match at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, CA. Image Credit: Icon SMI / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

October 13, 2021

ATP 2021 BNP Paribas Open | Draw | Order of Play

World No 4 Alexander Zverev overcame a spirited challenge from three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray to advance to the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Tuesday.

Zverev broke the Murray serve twice in the first set while losing his own serve only once – that was enough for the German to win the set 6-4.

After that, the Brit put up a much stronger fight, using his superb court craft and defense to keep Zverev on his toes throughout the second set.

Both players broke serve twice each to send the set into a tiebreaker. Zverev was able to get the lead and did not let Murray back into the tie-break, closing it out 7-4 to complete the 6-4, 7-6 win in two hours and seven minutes after an incredible match point.

https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1448085848046673920

The third seeded German scored his first career win over Murray in three career meetings. He is now through to the round of 16 where he will meet 14th seed Gael Monfils, who scored a 7-5, 6-2 win over South African Kevin Anderson.

American Fritz upsets fifth seeded Berrettini

Even as several of the top women were bundled out of the tournament on Tuesday, the big upset on the men’s side came when Taylor Fritz, seeded 31st, upset Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 21 minutes to advance to the fourth round.

"I remember just walking around with my friends – hanging out."

Today's victory adds another special memory for @Taylor_Fritz97 at #BNPPO21 😊 pic.twitter.com/zxHVBqSp1h
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 12, 2021

The big-serving American will now meet 10th seed Jannik Sinner, who advanced via a walkover after John Isner pulled out of the event due to the impending birth of his third child.

Also, 24th seeded Karen Khachanov upset No 12 seed Pablo Carreno Busta 6-0, 6-4 while 29th seed Nikolz Basilashvili defeated Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas 4-6, 7-6, 6-2.

ATP – INDIAN WELLS (3rd round)

Fritz (USA, N.31) d. Berrettini (ITA, N.5) : 6-4, 6-3
Sinner (ITA, N.10) d. Isner (USA, N.20) : W.O.
Monfils (FRA, N.14) d. Anderson (RSA) : 7-5, 6-2
A.Zverev (GER, N.3) d. Murray (UK) : 6-4, 7-6

Basilashvili (GEO, N.29) d. Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) : 4-6, 7-6, 6-2
Khachanov (RUS, N.24) d. Carreño Busta (ESP, N.12) : 6-0, 6-4
De Minaur (AUS, N.22) d. Garin (CHL, N.13) : 6-4, 6-2
Tsitsipas (GRE, N.2) d. Fognini (ITA, N.25) : 2-6, 6-3, 6-4