Zverev starts Cincinnati with convincing win

Second seed Alexander Zverev dodged a few raindrops late in the second set before wrapping up an ATP-leading 50th match win this season at the Cincinnati Open on Thursday.

The German, who won the title here in 2021 after losing his first six career matches at the venue, advanced to the third round 6-3, 6-2 over Karen Khachanov.

The victory in 76 minutes was a repeat of the Tokyo Olympic final won by Zverev.

50th win of the season 👏

Former champ @AlexZverev impressively moves past Khachanov 6-3 6-2!@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/aJz1XW1HGR

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 15, 2024

Khachanov committed 26 unforced errors in defeat against a long-time rival whom he now trails 5-2.

Zverev, who confessed to feeling poorly last week in Montreal despite making the quarterfinals, said his form is now much improved.

"I felt well on court. If you feel good in training it's easier to bring it to the match," he said. "I just hope my form can get better. I'm happy I got the win today."

Zverev had no explanation for his 2023 run of success, saying: "It's just been a good year, but I've also had some tough losses."

Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta lined up as the German's next opponent after defeating Australian Max Purcell 6-3, 6-3.

Fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz, who made a surprise comeback from July knee surgery by reaching last week's Montreal quarterfinals, won his opening match, defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

The Pole worked for more than two hours, dropping 16 aces against his Japanese opponent and saving 17 of 19 break points.

He will bid for the quarterfinals as he faces Italian Flavio Cobolli, who advanced when compatriot Luca Darderi retired trailing 7-6 (7/4), 3-1 with apparent illness.