French Open: Zverev opens with five-set victory

Top-10 seeds Alexander Zverev and Juan Martin del Potro both battled through scrappy matches to make the second round of the French Open.

Zverev overcame Australian John Millman 7-6(4) 6-3 2-6 6-7(5) 6-3 in a marathon clash on Tuesday, while eighth-seeded Argentine del Potro made a sluggish start but found his rhythm to beat Chilean Nicolas Jarry 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4.

The pair joined a host of other players, including Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov, Australian Jordan Thompson, Frenchman Lucas Pouille, Italian Fabio Fognini and British No.1 Kyle Edmund, who progressed to the second round at Roland Garros on day three.

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Zverev, who threw a spectacular tantrum during his four hour and eight minute clash with Millman, later called out critics of his patchy form this season.

“Everybody keeps on saying I had a tough year. I mean, I’m still No.5 in the world. Any of you guys know what I am on the race to London? I’m top 10,” said the German, who won his first title of the year in Geneva last week.

Falls down, still wins point.

That's Alexander Zverev. ????#RG19 pic.twitter.com/PhA7ETaUxc

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2019

“So it’s not that bad, to be honest. Somebody’s having a tough year is probably outside of the top 50 or something like that. I’m still top 10 of the race. So that’s what matters.”

> ATP Race to London standings

Del Potro, whose season start was delayed by a fractured right kneecap, was thankful to be on court again.

“I think I’m playing well at the moment, but my main goal is still the knee, my health,” he said.

“And I’m looking forward to being 100 per cent in the second part of the year, trying to change my goals on tour and if I get that, I will be happy.

Meanwhile Russian ace Khachanov eased past Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 6-1 6-1 6-4 and Frenchman Pouille defeated Simone Bolelli 6-3 6-4 7-5.

Fognini beat compatriot and doubles partner Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-0 3-6 6-3, while Britain’s Edmund completed a 7-6(1) 5-7 6-4 4-6 7-5 victory over Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in a match that resumed on Tuesday after bad light stopped play on Monday.

Australian Bernard Tomic, jeered by the crowd after seemingly refusing to play during a brief drizzle, lost his opening round clash to Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-1.

Thompson beat lucky loser Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-2 7-6(3) to set up a second-round clash with record-breaker Ivo Karlovic.

The Croat, who turned 40 in February, beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6(4) 7-5 6-7(7) 7-5 to become the oldest player to win at the Slam in 45 years.

Karlovic also become the oldest player to win at any Grand Slam since Australian Ken Rosewall did so at age 44 at the 1978 Australian Open.