Zverev Triumphs Amidst Late Drama, Extends Madrid Streak to 9
Next challenge: A showdown with either Khachanov or Mensik; Medvedev and Cobolli gear up for their Round 4 clash.
Date: April 27, 2026
Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Alexander Zverev, a two-time Mutua Madrid Open champion.
Written by Jerome Coombe
On a tense Monday evening at the Mutua Madrid Open, Alexander Zverev showcased his mental fortitude, overcoming a late-match dip to secure his spot in the next round.
Despite being unable to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set while Terence Atmane threatened a remarkable comeback, the German powerhouse regained control, ultimately triumphing with a score of 6-3, 7-6(2). This one-hour and 37-minute battle on the iconic Manolo Santana Stadium makes it nine consecutive appearances in the Round of 16 for the two-time champion.
Mission accomplished ✅ @AlexZverev triumphs over Atmane 6-3, 7-6(2). @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/z19xZBFmQh
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 27, 2026
After a rocky start to the 2025 season, which included a stunning run to the Australian Open final but disappointing exits in Indian Wells and Monte-Carlo, Zverev has turned the tide in 2026. His victory over Atmane places him alongside Jannik Sinner as the only players to reach the last 16 in all four Masters 1000 events this year.
Sinner has thwarted Zverev’s efforts in recent tournaments at the semi-final stages of Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo, but a potential rematch could unfold in Madrid should both players reach the final.
With a commendable 27-6 track record in Madrid, Zverev ranks just behind legends Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray for the most wins in the event’s history.
Madrid Win Leaders
In their inaugural Lexus ATP Head2Head duel, Zverev melded his characteristic baseline aggression with a series of clever drop shots, effectively unsettling the crafty left-hander’s rhythm. Although he faced a minor drop in performance towards the end, Zverev composedly executed a flawless tie-break to clinch victory.
In other matches within Zverev’s quarter, Daniil Medvedev and Flavio Cobolli achieved decisive wins on Monday. Medvedev outplayed #NextGenATP qualifier Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-3, 6-2, while Cobolli matched the same scoreline against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. Medvedev, holding a 2-0 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead against Cobolli, looks to continue his momentum; however, their previous encounter dates back to Beijing in 2024.
