Shanghai Masters: Zverev Overcomes Injury Scare to Beat Royer

Zverev Battles through foot pain to reach third round at Shanghai Masters

Alexander Zverev battled through a foot problem to secure a spot in the third round of the Shanghai Masters, defeating Valentin Royer 6-4, 6-4.

Alexander Zverev defied a foot problem to book his place in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday...

Alexander Zverev, the world number three from Germany, battled through a foot problem to secure a spot in the third round of the Shanghai Masters. He defeated France's Valentin Royer 6-4, 6-4 in a hard-fought match. Zverev started strong, breaking Royer in the first game and then holding serve with three aces in the second game.

Despite his strong start, Zverev faced some challenges in the match, including tense rallies and missed break opportunities. However, he managed to break Royer in the ninth game of the second set, securing the win. After the match, Zverev admitted that finishing the match wasn't easy, saying, “It's not a nice feeling to finish a match like that. I'm happy to be through in two sets and I'll keep fighting through.” Zverev will now face Arthur Rinderknech in the next round.

The match between Alexander Zverev and his opponent was a closely contested one. The Frenchman initially found his rhythm, but a crucial stumble proved costly as he missed a break point in the eighth game. Zverev capitalized on the opportunity and took the set. The second set was just as intense, with both players engaging in thrilling rallies and creating multiple opportunities to break each other's serve.

Businesslike 👔

Looking to finish the year strong Alexander Zverev kicks off his Shanghai campaign with a 6-4 6-4 win over Royer 💪#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/YDsQP3AzKZ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 4, 2025

Despite Zverev's eventual triumph, the win wasn't without its challenges. He finally broke in the ninth game and managed to hold on to win the match, albeit after requiring a medical break due to a limp. Reflecting on the match, Zverev said, “It's not a nice feeling to finish a match like that. I'm happy to be through in two sets and I'll keep fighting through.” Zverev's determination and resilience ultimately paid off, securing his spot in the next round.

Medical time out during play for Alexander Zverev

Picked up something on his foot during last serve.

Zverev serving for the match at 5-4 (15-0) vs Valentin Royer pic.twitter.com/6NvkwMCQen

— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) October 4, 2025

Australian tennis ace Alex de Minaur cruised past Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-4, 6-2, securing a spot in the third round of the Shanghai Masters. This win marks a significant milestone for de Minaur, who has now claimed 48 ATP Tour-level wins in a single season, a personal best. He'll look to continue his strong form against his next opponent.

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