Alexander Zverev has successfully begun his campaign at the Rome Masters 1000, securing a powerful victory over Camilo Ugo Carabelli with a score of 6–2, 6–1. This win not only propels Zverev into the Round of 32 but also marks his seventh consecutive match won at this tournament, a remarkable achievement as he aims to defend his title.
The German tennis star’s performance reinforces his successful history in Rome, where he won the championship the previous year. His only defeat in this event occurred in 2023 during the Round of 16 against Daniil Medvedev. Zverev has expressed his comfort and confidence on this surface, stating, “I feel confident here… I hope I can play as well as last year and win a lot of matches.”
Adding to his accolades, Friday’s victory also saw Zverev tie with Stanislas Wawrinka for the second-most ATP Masters 1000 wins on clay among active players, each holding 64 wins. This feat places them both behind Novak Djokovic, who leads the pack with 137 wins.
Reflecting on his match against Carabelli, Zverev noted, “I think in general it was a pretty good match.” He acknowledged Carabelli’s ranked status but highlighted his own effectiveness throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Zverev’s next challenge will be against Vilius Gaubas, a Lithuanian player ranked No. 154 in the world, who recently achieved an unexpected victory over Denis Shapovalov. This match presents Zverev with an opportunity to build on his momentum and continue his strong performance in Rome.
Overall, Zverev’s favorable start reflects both his talent and experience, making him a formidable contender as the tournament progresses. His resilience and confidence may be key factors in his quest for another title at this prestigious event.