by Anna Graham
Alexander Zverev has found his rhythm on the lush lawns of Wimbledon. Traditionally, grass courts have been a challenging surface for him, but this year, he’s embracing it with newfound confidence. On No.1 Court, Zverev cruised past Roberto Carballes Baena, securing a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory with a smile. His impressive performance can be followed on various platforms, including on 1xbet website, where enthusiasts keep track of matches and place their bets.
“First rounds are never easy, but I’m happy with how I started the tournament,” a confident Zverev remarked. “I’ve struggled on these beautiful courts over the years. This year feels different; I feel more alive here, and I hope to show that in the next few matches.
“I decided early in my career that I disliked grass courts. But this year, I’ve had a change of heart. I believe Wimbledon is more open this year, and if someone has two great weeks, they can achieve great things here. I hope that, for once, it’s going to be me,” Zverev expressed his respect for the tournament.
Roberto Carballes Baena, or RCB as he’s known in the press room, rarely comes to Wimbledon with high expectations. He has been here five times before and has only won one match – last year against Matteo Arnaldi. But Wimbledon isn’t his preferred turf.
RCB is a clay court specialist, winning both of his tour titles on the red dirt. His favorite event is Roland-Garros. In another life, he aspired to be a footballer, not a flashy striker but a solid goalkeeper like his idol Iker Casillas. This mindset explains his admiration for tennis player David Ferrer, known for his relentless defense.
However, facing Zverev’s powerful serve and groundstrokes on grass was a tall order for RCB. While he might have stood a chance on clay, grass is a different beast. Even though Zverev reached the Roland-Garros final last month, showing he can be formidable on any surface.
For Zverev, the match progressed smoothly. He wasn’t at his peak but was certainly close. The first round is about finding a rhythm and shaking off nerves, and Zverev did just that. His 18 aces, five service breaks, and 46 winners were more than enough to secure the win.
The first two sets followed a similar pattern: a tight start before Zverev broke serve and closed out the set. He created 14 break-point opportunities while keeping his serve secure. Whenever his serve was threatened, he responded with a powerful first serve or a reliable backhand. His backhand remains rock solid, inflicting significant damage on his opponents.
Once he fended off four break points at the start of the third set, Zverev was well on his way to the second round, leaving the court a very happy man.
