INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — In an electrifying upset, Tallon Griekspoor triumphed over top seed Alexander Zverev with a score of 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) during the thrilling second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday.
This defeat marks yet another setback for Zverev, who was also the favorite just a week prior when he fell to American rising star Learner Tien, losing 6-3, 6-4 in Acapulco, Mexico.
The intense showdown between Zverev and Griekspoor spanned over three hours and seven minutes, culminating in a dramatic victory for Griekspoor, who collapsed to the court in disbelief after clinching his sixth match point—his first win against a player in the ATP’s top five.
Now boasting a record of 2-6 against Zverev, the 28-year-old Dutch player continues to rise, currently ranked No. 43.
“This victory was all about mental strength. I faced him five times last year, and my heartbreak at Roland Garros, where I led by a double break in the final set, still stings,” Griekspoor shared. “I have fought hard in every match against him, and finally, the tide has turned. I couldn’t be prouder of this performance and for pushing through to secure the win.”
With this remarkable achievement, Griekspoor is set to challenge Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the upcoming third round.
Although Zverev remains ranked No. 2, trailing behind Jannik Sinner, his position will remain unchanged regardless of No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz’s efforts to defend his title at Indian Wells.
