‘Relief for Zverev’ — French Open Winner Battles Through Blockx at Wimbledon

Zverev outlasts Blockx in four tiebreak sets to advance at Wimbledon

After winning his maiden Grand Slam at the French Open, Alexander Zverev needed four sets to see off 21-year-old Alexander Blockx 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 7-6(7) at Wimbledon.

Zverev beats Blockx in centre court marathon to avoid Wimbledon first-round exit...

French Open winner Alexander Zverev survived a tough four-set contest against Belgian newcomer Alexander Blockx to move into the Wimbledon second round on Tuesday. 

The German, who lost in the opening round last year, prevailed 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 7-6(7) on Centre Court. He will now take on France’s Valentin Royer.

At various stages, Zverev looked set to become the first reigning men’s Roland Garros champion to lose in the opening round at Wimbledon since Rafael Nadal in 2013. 

The 29-year-old found another gear when it mattered and defeated Blockx for the third time in three meetings this year. 

Zverev finally broke his Grand Slam duck at the French Open earlier this month after a string of close calls. 

He’s yet to make a real impact at Wimbledon, however, with the fourth round his best result across nine previous visits.

The No. 2 seed needed only 30 minutes to take the opener, breaking Blockx once in the ninth game.

From the clay of Paris to the grass of #Wimbledon

A solid win for the @rolandgarros champion, Alexander Zverev pic.twitter.com/CD0ufdl9Dg

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2026

Blockx dug in during the second-set tiebreak, fended off a set point and drew level when Zverev sent in a double fault. 

A pair of double faults in the third-set tiebreak hurt the 21-year-old, and Zverev closed out the match with another tiebreak win in the fourth.