Zverev ousted by lucky loser Jarry

Barcelona, April 23

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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.