Alexander Zverev overpowers Aljaz Bedene in straight sets to back up his title credentials at the Australian Open
- Alexander Zverev began his challenge for Australian Open glory on Tuesday
- The much-fancied German beat Aljaz Bedene 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round
- Zverev out-aced Bedene 11-7 and hit 35 winners compared to his opponent’s 19
Alexander Zverev overpowered Aljaz Bedene to win their first round match at the Australian Open 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 as the 21-year-old firms as a title contender.
The big-hitting fourth seed went down a break midway through the first set, which seemed to prod him into action.
He won the next eight games, and Bedene never recovered.
Alexander Zverev made a winning start as he began his challenge for Australian Open glory
Aljaz Bedene was dispatched 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round at Melbourne Park on Tuesday
Zverev required less than two hours to overcome Bedene and progress to the second round
It took Zverev one hour and 55 minutes to come though against former British player Bedene, who now competes for Slovenia.
Zverev out-aced Bedene 11-7 and hit 35 winners compared to his opponent’s 19.
German Zverev will play the winner of an all-French first round match between Jeremy Chardy and Ugo Humbert.
Zverev, known as Sascha, has emerged as the leader of tennis’ new generation of men’s players, a reputation confirmed late last year by his maiden ATP Finals triumph where he beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in consecutive days.
Zverev delivered 11 aces — four more than his opponent could muster — on Rod Laver Arena
The two players shook hands at the net after German Zverev clinched his straight-sets victory
Zverev stretched out his arms in celebration as he soaked up the applause of the Aussie crowd