Alexander Zverev dumped out of Australian Open by Michael Mmoh, Taylor Fritz also sent home in shock defeat
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ByEurosport
Updated 19/01/2023 at 09:36 GMT
Alexander Zverev suffered a surprise four-set defeat to American Michael Mmoh to crash out of the Australian Open in the second round. The German, who missed the second half of 2022 with an ankle injury, made his Grand Slam return this week. Taylor Fritz was also sensationally beaten in five sets by Alexei Popyrin. Popyrin will now take on another American, as he faces Ben Shelton in round three
Zverev watches on as Mmoh plants ball into the net on the opening point
Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz both suffered stunning second round exits at the 2023 Australian Open.
Zverev was defeated by lucky loser Michael Mmoh, who earned a reprieve after the withdrawal of David Goffin.
The American is certainly making the most of this unexpected opportunity, and after beating fellow qualifier Laurent Lokoli in the first round, he made a huge statement here.
Despite taking the first set on a tie-break, the German was clawed back by his inspired opponent who came through 6-7(1) 6-4 6-3 6-2.
Zverev, who was making his Grand Slam return after seven months out with injury, was involved in a five-set epic against Juan Pablo Varillas to advance from the first round but his lack of match sharpness was clear against his American opponent.
“Life is crazy, life is crazy,” said Mmoh after his sensational victory.
“Right when you think everything is looking dim, looking dark, there’s light at the end of the tunnel and my week is proof of that.
“I could have easily been in the States right now. I was ready to go, I was packing my bags, I had my flight booked - I was actually meant to leave yesterday morning. So the fact that I’m still here playing in front of you guys, it’s insane.
“This is the biggest win of my career hands down. Coming out, I definitely felt the nerves a little bit, but I felt like I settled down at the end of the first [set], and at that point, I told myself I shouldn’t even be here to be honest, I’m lucky to be at this point.
"The last thing I wanted to do was not go for it when I had the chance and that’s what I told myself on the match point, if I get a ball, just go for it, you’re not even supposed to be here.”
Mmoh now faces compatriot J.J Wolf in the third round.
It was not all good news for the American contingent though, as eighth-seed Fritz was sensationally dumped out by world No. 113 and home favourite Alexei Popyrin in an epic five-set encounter, 6-7(4) 7-6(2) 6-4 6-7(6) 6-2.
Despite losing the first set via a tie-break, Popyrin got the Melbourne crowd going by winning one of his own in the next set, before winning the third more comprehensively.
Fritz then claimed the third tie-break of this gripping tussle to move level at two sets apiece, but Popyrin rose to the occasion in the decisive fifth set and closed out the match with relative comfort.
"This is the dream for me, and I don't want to wake up at all," Popyrin said in his on-court post-match interview.
"You guys were just incredible. Oh my god, this is crazy. I really couldn't have done it without you guys. This win means so much to me."
Popyrin will now take on another American, Ben Shelton, in the third round after the 20-year-old overcame Nicolas Jerry 7-6(3) 7-6(3) 7-5 earlier on Thursday.
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