Top seed Zverev digs deep to reach Shanghai last 16

Shanghai: Alexander Zverev triumphed over Quentin Halys in three sets at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, edging closer to the world number one ranking. The German top seed emerged victorious 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3, despite exhibiting signs of discomfort towards the end of the match. Zverev praised his opponent's aggressive play and exceptional serving skills.

This year, Zverev has carefully selected tournaments and peak times, a strategy that proved fruitful, as he secured two Grand Slam titles and reached the Wimbledon final. At times, Zverev displayed frustration, vocally addressing his corner while securing the first set in just 38 minutes. The second set proved more intense, with serve determining the outcome, ultimately leading to a tie-break.

Zverev demonstrated skill by executing a precise backhand down the line to avoid defeat in the tie-break, but he then missed a crucial match point due to a faulty forehand return. A second match point also eluded him, and Halys capitalized on the opportunity, winning the deciding set with an overhead smash. Zverev, currently the world number two, poses a significant threat to Italian Sinner's world number one ranking.

Sinner, who won the US Open and French Open, is not participating in Shanghai due to injury, thus allowing Zverev to potentially dethrone him. Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third, faces Belgium's Zizou Bergs in the third round on Monday.