Alexander Zverev was on his way out of the French Open – but managed to pull off what was needed to save himself in the Grand Slam tennis at Roland Garros.
Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor seemed to be offering a real upset in Paris when he was leading 4–1 in the fifth and decisive set.
Then came Zverev's powerful comeback.
The German forced a tiebreak and won it clearly with 10–3 and the match with 3–6, 6–4, 6–2, 4–6, 7–6.
Fifth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev defeated Czech Tomas Machac 7–6 (7–4), 7–5, 1–6, 6–4.
Zverev is still one of the favorites to win this year's second Grand Slam. A trial, in which Zverev is suspected of assaulting an ex-girlfriend, is ongoing in Berlin.
In women's singles, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus secured their spot in the next round with wins over Elise Mertens of Belgium (6–4, 6–2) and Paula Badosa of Spain (7–5, 6–1) respectively.