Archive of posts tagged Adam

Toronto: Alexander Zverev takes a 52-shot rally, tops Adam Walton

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In the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev is the top seed at he Canada Masters in Toronto. The German made a winning start following a 7-6, 6-4 triumph over Adam Walton in the second round.

Walton pushed the 2017 champion to the limits. He led 5-3 in the tie break of the first set before Zverev turned the tables, including a 52-shot rally at 5-5! World no. 3 closed it and provided two breaks in the second set to emerge at the top.

The German dominated with his first serve and dropped only three points. He denied two of three break points and stole the rival's serve two times from six opportunities.

Alexander landed 23 winners and 32 unforced errors. He trailed in service winners but overpowered Adam from the baseline and at the net. They stayed neck and neck in the shortest exchanges, and the German bested his rival in the more advanced ones.

Zverev provided six comfortable holds in the first set and had a chance to grab an early lead. Walton denied two break points in the third game and stayed in touch until the tie break. 

The German netted a routine backhand in the eighth point and fell 5-3 behind. He painted a backhand down the line winner in the next one to reduce the deficit and landed a service winner for 5-5. 

Alexander Zverev & Adam Walton, Toronto 2025

Alexander Zverev & Adam Walton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

They embraced a 52-shot exchange in the 11th point, and the Aussie sprayed a forehand error to offer his rival a set point. Adam denied it with a forced error and locked the result at 6-6.

Alexander grabbed a mini-break with a forehand winner after a net cord and hit another forehand winner at the net at 7-6 to wrap up the first part of the duel in 57 minutes.

Walton saved break points in the second game of the second set before experiencing a break at love four games later to send world no. 3 4-2 in front and closer to the finish line.

Alexander Zverev, Toronto 2025

Alexander Zverev, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Zverev closed the seventh game with a forehand winner and moved 5-2 in front. He served for the win at 5-3 and experienced the only setback behind his initial shot. 

Alexander faced three break points and netted a forehand drive-volley on the last, allowing his opponent to extend the battle. However, the German kept his composure and extended the tenth game.

Zverev welcomed Walton's double fault, sealing the deal and moving into the third round.

Alcaraz on Facing Sinner in RG Final: Beautiful Brutality

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"They push you to the limit," Carlos Alcaraz said of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.Adam

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, June 6, 2025
Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty

King of Clay Rafa Nadal famously said suffering is a prerequisite to Grand Slam success.

Reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz says facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner brings beautiful brutality. 

World No. 2 Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti in four sets to power into his second straight Roland Garros final with his 13th consecutive win in Paris.

Tennis Express

Alcaraz rides a 4-0 record in Grand Slam finals into Sunday's French Open final against either Sinner in a rematch of the 2024 Roland Garros semifinals.

A red-hot Sinner scorched 44 winners and saved three set points in the third set fending off Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in three hours, 16 minutes to advance to his maiden Roland Garros final.

It's the first time since the 1984 French Open that both men's and women's singles finals feature No. 1 vs. No. 2 with Aryna Sabalenka meeting Coco Gauff in the women's title match tomorrow.

Asked afterward what he loves about facing those two champions, Alcaraz said both bring out his best—and reinforce his belief pain is progress because both rivals "push you to the limit."

"I mean, I enjoy every time that I'm playing against them, because I love that battle," Alcaraz told the media in Paris. "But, you know, most of the time is just about suffering, because they push you to the limit."

Alcaraz said those brutal showdowns are beautiful experiences that make him a better player.

"But my favorite thing is, as I said, it gives you the feedback of how can I be better, a better player," Alcaraz said. "I think that's important, and that's beautiful, even though if I win or not, gives you a lot of stats and gives you the feedback."