French Open: Alexander Zverev 'happy to run away with it' against David Goffin in 'not ideal' conditions

Updated 30/05/2024 at 16:01 GMT

Fourth seed Alexander Zverev continued his impressive start at the French Open by flattening David Goffin in straight sets two days after his thrilling win over Rafael Nadal. The German said he was "happy to run away with it" following a tricky opening set tie-break, and admitted the damp conditions were "not ideal" for his power game. Zverev will face Tallon Griekspoor or Luciano Darderi next.

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Alexander Zverev was happy with his performance against “difficult” opponent David Goffin after ousting the Belgian in straight sets in conditions he admitted were “not ideal".

The fourth seed triumphed 7-6(4) 6-2 6-2 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen in two hours and 23 minutes to move into the French Open third round, where he will face Luciano Darderi or 26th seed Tallon Griekspoor.

Two days on from conquering 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in a blockbuster first-round clash, Zverev enjoyed a more routine win against the world No. 115 despite a tricky opening set.

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The weather has played havoc at Roland-Garros in the first week, with cold temperatures and heavy rain causing huge disruptions to the schedule, and the German was pleased with his performance in the circumstances.

“When it’s heavy, when it’s slow, it’s not ideal for me,” he said.

“I’m someone who tries to be a big hitter, extremely aggressive, so when it’s like that it’s not ideal. But I felt the ball well today, maybe a few mistakes here and there.

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Goffin, 33, came through a five-set epic against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round and flagged as the match went on despite a strong start.

That saw Zverev extend his head-to-head advantage to 4-2 with his first straight-sets win over the Belgian.

“I knew that David is an incredible player, someone who was very difficult for me in the past and that showed in the first set,” Zverev said.

“I’m obviously happy that I ran away with it and happy with the level of tennis.”

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Goffin started off looking more confident on serve as he successfully went toe-to-toe with the German.

Neither player was offering much encouragement to the other, with no break point opportunities materialising as Zverev took a hold to 30 at 4-3.

A tie-break looked inevitable as Zverev took a 6-5 lead against a player who was showing few weaknesses, but the fourth seed earned his first break point in the following game to have a chance to win the set, only to squander it with a poor forehand.

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Goffin held on to force the tie-break, but the Belgian’s radar went off and unforced errors started to creep in, allowing Zverev to earn three set points and take the second.

The German made shorter work of the second set, going a break up early thanks to a costly double-fault from Goffin.

The 33-year-old was clinging on as he held off two break points, but eventually succumbed to the double-break as Zverev cruised into a two-set lead.

Zverev went a break up in style in the third, controlling a superb volley into the corner at the net to win a thrilling rally.

A pinpoint forehand winner then gave him a second break and the chance to serve out the match, which he did with little fuss as he thumped home a forehand winner to conclude a confident display.