Wimbledon 2026: Zverev Builds Momentum After Routine Second-Round Victory

Zverev downs royer in straight sets

After a tough opener against Blockx, Zverev was in complete control vs Royer. The second seed will next face world No. 92 Marcos Giron for a spot in the last 16.

Zverev cruises into Wimbledon third round with 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Royer...

French Open winner Alexander Zverev moved into the Wimbledon third round on Thursday, easing past Valentin Royer 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(3). 

Zverev is aiming to become just the seventh man in the Open Era to follow a Roland Garros title with Wimbledon glory. He looked sharp on Court One as he saw off Royer in convincing fashion.

Blockx gave Zverev a tough test in round one, but Royer couldn’t live with the dominant German. 

The 29-year-old finally claimed his first Grand Slam at Roland Garros last month, yet Wimbledon has always been a weak spot in his record. 

With Sinner and Djokovic on the other side of the draw and No. 4 seed Ben Shelton already out, Zverev has a real chance to make his first Wimbledon quarter-final in his 10th attempt.

“If I keep playing like this I definitely think it can happen this year,” said Zverev.

“In tennis you need to have a short-term memory, whether it's good or bad.

“I won the French Open which for me, I've been waiting for that Grand Slam for such a long time... Two weeks later we're here at Wimbledon and it's such a short turnaround.”

Zverev dropped the first game of the match, then responded with nine games in a row to take control. 

Class on Grass 🌱

Zverev picks up his 50th grass court win to advance to the #Wimbledon third round! pic.twitter.com/XwpFgtEP9J

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 2, 2026

He dominated throughout to pick up his 50th career grass-court win at Tour level. 

The second seed, a four-time Grand Slam finalist, will take on world No. 92 Marcos Giron of the U.S. in the third round.