De Jong keeps entertaining the crowd. This time with a rock-solid and sharp forehand that Zverev can only watch. The crowd is clearly for the Dutchman. “Jesper, Jesper, Jesper” can be heard on Court Mathieu. De Jong doesn’t seem to be nervous at all.
What a point! Zverev misses an easy forehand, after which De Jong has a clever lob in store. Zverev gets the ball back over the net, but that’s all there is to it. The crowd goes wild after De Jong throws his hands up. The atmosphere is good in Paris.
Set De Jong! 3-6 (0-1 in sets)
Wow! De Jong does it. After a clever ball just over the net, he forces Zverev to come to the net, after which he sends the ball rock-solid into the corner. The Dutchman gets the Dutch and French crowd on the benches. Are we going to see a stunt?
Restlessness in the stadium. There is some noise during De Jong’s service game. The Dutchman is not happy about that. Can he maintain his focus?
“Super,” De Jong shouts after a clever drop shot. Zverev can’t get to it anymore.
Game Zverev! 3-5 (0-0 in sets)
Zverev is serving better and better and De Jong is having trouble with that. The German had to get going for a while, but is making it increasingly difficult for the Dutchman. It is now up to De Jong to serve out the set.
Game De Jong! 2-5 (0-0 in sets)
He does it! After a rock-solid ace, Zverev doesn’t know what to do with a decent second service from De Jong. The Dutchman surprises the German. The Dutch go wild in the stadium.
De Jong can now take a 2-5 lead. Can he pull this game over the line?
De Jong surprises Zverev with an excellent volley, which is no longer feasible for the German. Zverev wipes the sweat from his forehead after a sprint. It is 23 degrees in Paris.
Game De Jong! 1-4 (0-0 in sets)
With great difficulty, De Jong gets his service game in. De Jong seemed to have already won the game, but his service was called out after intervention from the umpire. In the second instance, it was a hit for the North Hollander.
Game Zverev! 1-3 (0-0 in sets)
This time Alexander Zverev manages to keep his service game. De Jong tried to lure the German out of his tent with a volley, but that was easily achievable for the number three in the world.
What a ball from De Jong! Zverev lashes out with a rock-solid forehand, but De Jong has an excellent answer to that. The French are behind the Dutchman.
Game De Jong! 0-3 (0-0 in sets)
De Jong also wins his second service game. It was less easy than the first. Can De Jong maintain this level throughout the first set? Zverev does not look confident.
De Jong’s first service is not really going well yet… His second service is good, but it is a lot less hard. Zverev benefits from that.
Break De Jong! 0-2 (0-0 in sets)
He does it! The Dutchman forces Zverev to make mistakes and the German has no answer to it yet. Can De Jong keep this up?
Game De Jong! 0-1 (0-0 in sets)
With a strong second service he wins the opening game. De Jong doesn’t seem to be nervous.
Things are looking good for De Jong, who immediately makes it difficult for Zverev. The public enjoys the game and a beautiful rally.
De Jong starts with an ace. You can start a match worse.
Game on! Jesper de Jong starts serving. Can he win the first game?