Alexander Zverev, world No. 3 and second seed, kicked off his grass-court bid emphatically at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, dismantling Marcos Giron 6‑2, 6‑1 in just 79 minutes. Zverev’s serve was virtually untouchable—10 aces and an 82% success rate on first serves, all while not facing a single break point.
The match was marred by a rare incident when an advertising board fell from the upper tier, striking a 62-year-old spectator. Zverev was quick to help, presenting the woman with ice and waiting until she was attended to before play resumed. Tournament officials confirmed she was unharmed—a relief amid what the event director called an “unprecedented” incident in the tournament’s 32-year history, allegedly caused by vibrations from drumming during matches.
Despite the stress of the interruption, Zverev stayed focused, compiling 23 winners and dominating with his aggressive baseline game. He now faces Lorenzo Sonego—his fourth opponent in Halle he’s beaten—in the next round.
Medvedev Tops Halys to Reach Second Round
Fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev, ranked No. 11 and seeded third, also advanced in confident fashion, beating France’s Quentin Halys 6‑2, 7‑5. Showing pinpoint precision, Medvedev committed just six unforced errors and converted three of five break-point opportunities, asserting control over 60% of points played
The win not only moves Medvedev into the quarter-finals, but also marks his 400th career tour-level victory — a milestone highlighting his consistency since capturing his sole Grand Slam title at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Khachanov, Michelsen Also Progress; Tsitsipas Faces Early Exit
- Karen Khachanov, the 8th seed, overcame Zizou Bergs of Belgium 7‑5, 6‑3, despite a minor tumble on court
- American Alex Michelsen pulled off a notable win in Halle’s earlier rounds and will be a dangerous draw if Medvedev advances.
- Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas, who recently began working with new coach Goran Ivanisevic, was already ousted in the preceding stages, while defending champion Jannik Sinner moves on to face former winner Alexander Bublik
Grass-Court Momentum Building Toward Wimbledon
Zverev and Medvedev’s commanding performances signal their readiness for Wimbledon. Zverev, having reached the Stuttgart semi-finals and now surviving early scares in Halle, is inching closer to claiming his maiden grass-court title . Medvedev, fresh off winning in Den Bosch and cracking the 400-win mark on grass, is aiming to add Halle to his laurels .
Grass season electricity is building, with both top seeds demonstrating control over their adjustments from hard and clay courts. Their continued dominance could shift momentum ahead of the sport’s most prestigious tournament.
Safety Concerns After Advertising Board Incident
The falling advertising panel during Zverev’s match raised major safety concerns. Officials assured that all similar structures would be inspected, and one affected fan was offered a complimentary season pass to the 2026 event. Zverev commended organizers for their swift handling and prioritized the spectator’s well-being.
What Lies Ahead
- Zverev vs. Sonego: The German aims to maintain intensity and secure a path deeper into the draw.
- Medvedev will await an opponent in the quarter-finals following his dominant win.
- The quarter-final matchup between Medvedev and Michelsen could showcase fresh Grass Court rivalries
This Week’s ATP Recap: Two top-10 players are executing strong starts in Halle, while safety incidents underscore backstage risks. Grass season is hotting up—and these results sketch the stage for more thrilling encounters.
