Griekspoor previously sent Zverev packing in his opening BNP Paribas Open match last month, a significant moment for the 28-year-old who put an end to his 0-18 record against Top 5 opponents.
In the opening set of their Munich showdown, Griekspoor denied the two-time champion a chance to serve it out when he saved two break points at 5-5. Having closed out the tie-break on his third opportunity, the world No. 37 then seized the first break of the contest to launch the second set.
Griekspoor eventually put himself in position to cross the finish line, but blinked with the match on his racquet as Zverev broke back at 15 to level for 5-5. He had a chance to regain control early the decider, before the top seed staved off four break points to hold for 2-2. Zverev broke three games later and though Griekspoor would save three match points to reach 4-5, the home favorite had no problem wrapping up the comeback win.
“Extremely happy with how I hung in there, especially in the third set being 0-40 down in my second service game. Proud to win this match.”
