Zverev defies 'physical issues' to reach Shanghai Masters quarter-finals

Alexander Zverev overcame physical difficulties to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals, defeating Alexander Bublik 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (7/1) on Tuesday. The 29-year-old German will face Alex de Minaur in the next round. Zverev, the current world number two, has been assured the year-end number one ranking following Carlos Alcaraz's loss to Zizou Bergs on Monday.

He acknowledged having physical issues, specifically mentioning his ankle, which seemed to impact his performance in the second set. Zverev expressed his happiness at advancing, stating he was starting to feel his body more but was content with the victory. Despite both players holding serves in the first set, Zverev gained momentum when Bublik failed to convert three set points, securing the win in the tie-break.

Earlier in the day, 56th-ranked Arthur Gea defeated Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, with Mensik, ranked 15th, putting up a strong performance but ultimately falling short.