Alexander Zverev advances to Australian Open quarter-finals while breaking Boris Becker's Grand Slam record

Alexander Zverev played his way straight through to the quarter-finals at the Australian Open. The 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 win over Francisco Cerundolo looked controlled on paper - on the court it was a match in which Zverev was clearly the dominant player from set to set. After three four-set matches at the start of the tournament, it was an evening without detours, but not without significance. 2 hours and 12 minutes, not a set out of control, not a moment of real uncertainty.

The opening stages set the tone early on. Zverev took Cerundolo's serve straight away, dictated the rallies with length and composure and never allowed the Argentinian to get into a rhythm. Two early breaks, a clear 6-2 set win - carried by a high service ratio and a pace that constantly left Cerundolo half a stroke too late. It was the set in which Zverev took the match.

The picture shifted slightly in the second set, but not the static. Cerundolo stabilised, looked to close out points earlier and kept his service games open for longer. Zverev remained unperturbed. At 3-3, he made the one break that decided the set, defended it with authority and served for 6-4 without discussion. It was not a spectacular set - but a mature one.

The third set was a test of patience. Cerundolo tried to build up pressure through intensity and risk, but Zverev's serve remained untouchable. At 3-3, the German stepped up the pressure once again, forced the break and then consistently closed out the match. No wobbles when serving out, no unnecessary obstacles needed to clamber over - the 6-4 was the logical conclusion.

The figures impressively underline the progression. A dominance ratio of 1.68, 57 percent points won, 77 percent first serves with 79 percent points won behind them. Five breaks from eight chances, 13 out of 14 service games held. In addition, 87 percent of net points won - a figure that shows how clearly Zverev took control as soon as the opportunities presented themselves.

By reaching the quarter-finals, Zverev has now reached the last eight in Melbourne for the fifth time, making him the sole German record holder ahead of Boris Becker. But the next round will not be a continuation of this calm.

On Tuesday, Learner Tien is waiting - and emphatically so. The American didn't just beat Daniil Medvedev, he took him apart. A victory with force, speed and self-confidence that shook the court. Tien comes with nothing to lose and everything to gain, with a free arm and fresh self-confidence.

For Zverev, the quarter-finals are more than just the next step. It is the moment when control meets chaos - and will show how resilient this calm, mature run really is.