Wimbledon 2024: Alexander Zverev storms into round two after beating Roberto Carballes Baena

Alexander Zverev has advanced to the second round of the 2024 Wimbledon tournament with a convincing win against Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena.

As good as Alexander Zverev plays in the open air, the German number one almost feels a little better under a closed roof. And so it came as no surprise that Zverev delivered a convincing performance in his opening match at Wimbledon 2024 against Roberto Carballes Baena. And advanced to the second round with a 6:2, 6:4 and 6:2 win. There he will play either Marcus Giron or the young Englishman Henry Searle next up in likely a simpler task for Zverev who is seen as potentially reaching the final.

In the match against Carballes Baena, Alexander Zverev missed three break points in the very first game, but then dominated his opponent at will. With his serve anyway - but also with his forehand, which occasionally causes Zverev problems. It was only in the third set that small imperfections crept into the fourth-seeded Zverev's game - he also had to fend off four break points. However, there was never any doubt about the winner of this match. He also hit 46 winners, including 18 aces in a statement win. Written off by many for his poor Wimbledon record in the past, he showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

“Obviously, first rounds are never easy, but I’m happy with how I started the tournament,” said Zverev in his on-court interview. “I want to compete, I want to do well here at Wimbledon. It’s the most historic tennis tournament that we have.

“I’ve struggled over the years here on these beautiful courts, unfortunately, but I feel different this year. I feel somehow very much more into it, very much more alive on these courts, and hopefully I can show that in the next few matches.”