Rio Open: Zverev Stunned by World No. 86

Argentine Francisco Comesaña pulled off a stunning upset by eliminating World No. 2 and Australian Open runner-up Alexander Zverev in the Rio Open quarterfinals, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a late-night thriller on Friday.

This marks the biggest victory of Comesaña’s career so far.

Ranked No. 86, Comesaña had already made headlines last year with a surprising win over World No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the first round of Wimbledon.

However, his victory in Rio de Janeiro is his first-ever triumph against a top-five-ranked opponent.

Speaking after the match, Comesaña said: “I kept telling myself throughout the match, ‘It’s amazing to be alive.’ I enjoyed every moment.”

Zverev took the first set with three aces, but Comesaña fought back, breaking the German’s serve twice in the second set.

In the decisive third set, Zverev struggled with his serve, committing three double faults, allowing Comesaña to seize the win.

The Argentine reflected: “This victory is the result of all the hard work I’ve put in to get here. I am grateful for this moment, and I am truly enjoying it.”