Paul stuns Zverev, Murray overpowered at Indian Wells

Tuesday, 15 March 2022 03:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

INDIAN WELLS, Calif (Reuters): Tommy Paul collected the biggest win of his career with a stunning 6-2 4-6 7-6(2) victory over third seed Alexander Zverev under the lights at Indian Wells on Sunday.

After a strong start, the 24-year-old American’s good fortune appeared to dry up in the California desert when the hard-hitting German was up a break and serving at 4-2 in the decider.

But Zverev committed four double faults in the game to let Paul back into the match and he did not waste the opportunity, keeping his nerve to force a tiebreak where he played nearly flawless tennis to secure the upset before an adoring crowd.

Next up for Paul is a third-round clash with Alex de Minaur, who defeated fellow Australian John Millman 7-6(4) 6-3.

Earlier in the day, big-serving Alexander Bublik got revenge against Andy Murray, beating the former world number one 7-6(9) 6-3 to notch his first win over the Scot in three career meetings.

Bublik won the first set tiebreak to seize the momentum and pounded his way to the finish line as Murray was unable to convert any of his six break-point opportunities.

The Kazakhstani sealed the win with a deft drop shot on match point that Murray was unable to reach. Bublik stood and joined the crowd in applauding the three-time major champion, who claimed his 700th career win on Friday, as he walked off the court.

“Obviously in the tiebreak both of us had some chances, but in the first set I certainly created more opportunities and I didn’t take them,” Murray told reporters.