Alexander Zverev had to beat off a second set disaster to eventually see off American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the second round of Indian Wells on Sunday.
In the end it came down to Zverev’s serve – at least 20mph faster than his opponent – as the German eventually outfought the young American to set up a match against Andy Murray.
“He’s a tricky player,” Zverev said. “He’s young, motivated…He wasn’t giving me anything.
“I actually didn’t think I served that well today.”
Zverev won 73 per cent of first-serve points, including 12 aces, and ended the match with 28 winners to Brooksby’s 17.
“In the second set I didn’t see the ball well on [one] side of the court because of the sun,” Zverev said, discussing his error-prone set.
“It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m happy to be through, I’m happy to be in the third round and playing Andy now.”
