In a thrilling day at the Miami Open on March 22, 2025, Alexander Zverev made headlines by defeating Jacob Fearnley with a swift score of 6-2, 6-4, marking his 145th win in ATP Masters 1000 events. This victory not only advanced him to the third round but also established him as the German player with the most Masters 1000 triumphs, surpassing the record previously held by Tommy Haas who had 144 wins.
Zverev’s performance was nothing short of impressive. He managed to control the game effectively, taking just 74 minutes to dispatch Fearnley, who is ranked No. 83. With this win, Zverev expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I'm generally happy with my level today." His level of play demonstrated marked improvement, especially after a disappointing early exit at Indian Wells. Zverev's dominance was evident as he maintained a strong serve, missing only five out of 47 attempts and saving both break points he faced against Fearnley.
Following Zverev’s match, Taylor Fritz also advanced to the next round by defeating Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought battle that ended 7-6(2), 6-3. The match extended over nearly two hours and was characterized by intense rallies and critical points that kept fans on the edge of their seats. "It’s huge [because] when you start blowing those [break] opportunities, it almost gets in your head," Fritz remarked regarding his performance, highlighting the psychological pressure players often contend with during tight matches. This win improved Fritz's season record to 11-5, reiterating his status as one to watch on the tour.
Meanwhile, it was a heartbreaking day for Jasmine Paolini, who was ahead 4-3 in the first set against Ons Jabeur when Jabeur had to retire due to a calf injury. This incident underscores the constant physical demands faced by professional athletes, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the Miami Open. Paolini, having not played through the latter stages of the first set due to her opponent's sudden withdrawal, now looks forward to advancing further in the competition.
Jordan Thompson followed suit by advancing after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a tightly contested match, with both sets going to tiebreaks, ultimately ending 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-1) in favor of the Australian. This victory adds to the mix of intense competition as players vie for advancement to fulfill their tournament ambitions.
One of the biggest surprises of the day came from Chak Lam Coleman Wong, who eliminated Ben Shelton, the 13th seed, in a thrilling match that concluded with a score of 7-6(7-3), 2-6, 7-6(7-5). This upset serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where rankings can sometimes be upended, and new talents emerge to challenge established players.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the fourth round after her opponent, Elena Gabriela Ruse, was forced to retire following a challenging opening set that ended 6-1. Sabalenka's progression illustrates her formidable presence in the tournament, further proving her readiness to chase the title in Miami.
As the day wrapped up, the Miami Open continues to showcase exceptional talent and unforeseen dealings on the court. With significant victories and surprising losses, fans eagerly anticipate the next round, where Zverev will face Jordan Thompson. This match promises to be an interesting face-off between two players who have demonstrated significant skill and resilience throughout the tournament.
From Zverev's record-breaking wins to upsets like Wong's over Shelton, the Miami Open is proving to be anything but predictable. The coming matches are bound to deliver more electrifying tennis and compelling stories as the world's top players compete for a prestigious title.
