Zverev ousted by lucky loser Jarry

Barcelona, April 23

Alexander Zverev crashed out of the Barcelona Open in the second round here today, continuing his troubled start to 2019. The German, who joined the tournament on a late wildcard, was beaten 3-6 7-5 7-6(5) by lucky loser Nicolas Jarry of Chile.

German world No. 3 Zverev, who is looking to improve on his disappointing start to 2019, came back from a double break down in the third set but blew a match point at 6-5. It was the biggest win of the world No. 81 Jarry’s career. 

Third seed Dominic Thiem of Austria eased into the third round after a 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine Diego Schwartzman. Former champion Kei Nishikori recovered from a slow start to beat Taylor Fritz 7-5 6-2 in the second round.

The fourth-seeded Japanese, who has won the tournament twice, bounced back from 1-4 in the first set to beat the American in one hour and 41 minutes. 

Spaniard Jaume Munar upset 14th-seeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-4 6-3 in the second round.

Four-time finalist David Ferrer, who will retire after the Madrid Open in two weeks’ time, registered a 6-3 6-1 win over Germany’s Mischa Zverev in Round 1. In another first-round match, 19-year-old Spaniard Nicola Kuhn recorded the biggest win of his career, beating qualifier and world No. 76 Argentine Federico Delbonis 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2. — Agencies

Sevastova overcomes compatriot Ostapenko

STUTTGART: Seventh seed Anastasija Sevastova claimed victory in a streaky all-Latvian first-round clash at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix here today, overcoming former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 4-6 6-0. Germany’s Andrea Petkovic beat Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-3 6-4 to enter the second round.