Home/Tennis

via Reuters

via Reuters

Alexander Zverev breezed into the quarter-finals of the Miami Open 2022 in a comparatively brisk match. The German player defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis in the round of 16. The match saw a star-studded audience and the likes of Francisco Lindor, who visited with his family, and basketball players like Jimmy Butler were present to witness the match.

via Reuters

Alexander Zverev defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets at Miami

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The forehand exchanges of Zverev overwhelmed the Australian player. Kokkinakis had been preparing to play his first match in the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event. However, the German player kept his gameplay imposing even after Kokkinakis tried to revert back to an aggressive game. After this victory, Zverev leads the ATP Head2Head series of the players by 1-0.

In the Australian Open earlier this year, Thanasi Kokkinakis won the men’s double trophy along with Nick Kyrgios. The world no. 97 had started off his year with a good start by seizing his first tour-level title in Adelaide.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Don’t Know How to Do S***’ – Enraged Nick Kyrgios Gets Game Penalty for Smashing Racquet at Miami Open 2022

Stardom at the Hard Rock Stadium

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler is known for his forward game on the basketball court but he is also known for his keen interest in tennis. The player made sure to witness Zverev’s pre-quarters match-up.

Jimmy Butler and Alexander Zverev have supported each other in their respective sports in the past and have also shared some harmless tips for each other. They had met first during Wimbledon and their friendship has seemed to grow only stronger despite being indulged in different sports.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Besides him, we also saw a baseball shortstop of the New York Mets Francisco Lindor being present with his family to witness the match. He is yet again a supporter of Alexander Zverev and made sure to support his friend during the game. He had even thrown a ball for the Zverev during US Open 2021.

WATCH THIS STORY: Rafael Nadal’s Arguments With Chair Umpires Over the Years

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Reuters

The German player is now looking forward to clinching the title at the Miami Open. Zverev will now face Norwegian Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals.

Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!

Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.

Play Now!