Alexander Zverev on defeating Karen Khachanov: "He served incredibly in the second set. Glad I won in two sets"

Zverev praises Khachanov's serve, expresses relief at winning in straight sets

Alexander Zverev has praised Karen Khachanov's serve after the German defeated the Russian in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters. Speaking during an on-court interview, Zverev said that Khachanov's "incredible" serving in the second set had proved to be a challenge.

Zverev wins 6-3, 7-5 to set up Fritz quarterfinal

"He served unbelievably in the second set," Zverev said. "I think he hit 10 aces in the second set. It was tough to return. I think he had eight or nine break points in the second set. I saved them all, which is important. I think I played a really good match overall. I'm really happy with my performance today."

Zverev, who is the world No. 5, won the first set 6-3 in just 32 minutes. However, Khachanov, who is the world No. 19, fought back in the second set and took it to a tie-break. But Zverev ultimately prevailed, winning the tie-break 7-5 and the match in straight sets.

"I think it was a really good win for me," Zverev said. "I'm really happy with the way I played. I think I served well, I returned well, and I played some really good points from the baseline. I think I'm playing well at the moment, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the tournament."

Zverev will now face Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals on Friday. Fritz, who is the world No. 10, defeated Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in straight sets in the previous round.