Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Haase stuns Zverev in Cincinnati

Haase stuns Zverev in Cincinnati
Haase stuns Zverev in Cincinnati

Robin Haase upset Alexander Zverev 5-7 6-5 7-5 at the Cincinnati Masters and cruised into the third round.

Haase, who last week kicked off his North American hardcourt swing by reaching the Toronto quarter-finals, converted six of seven break point opportunities to get by world number three Zverev in a match lasting two hours and 25 minutes.

World number 55 Haase improved to a 2-2 career record against Zverev, including victories in their last two meetings.

"We've played four times now," Haase said. "The first time he literally kicked my ass. ... That was the tournament where he actually came up. And, yeah, since then he's come a long way.

"Physically, mentally, and game-wise I was there [in my past two matches against Zverev]. We have to be a little bit lucky, as well, against these top guys. Nowadays against Top 10, 20 and maybe Top 50 players you have to be a little bit lucky," said Haase.

"But I think I played well. Today my returns were really, really good. I think the first serve he hit at me was 136mph and I just hit it right back. I was good from my side."

Haase will face Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round after the Spanish 13th seed beat Bradley Klahn 6-4 6-4.