Dubai: There is no substitute to experience and Alexander Zverev used it to his advantage to overcome the challenge from in-form Jiri Lehecka to sneak in to the second round with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win in the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday.

“My game was not great at times and didn’t start the match very well, but found a way to win,” said the 25-year-old German, who rallied from a set down to avenge the loss he suffered at the hands of Lehecka in Sydney. “I first played Jiri back in Sydney and I had absolutely no chance in that match. I am happy that I have progressed and I have improved since then. He is playing amazing tennis.”

Zverev, the former world No 2, waited patiently for his young opponent to crack and that opportunity came when a frustrated Lehecka made several unforced errors to give the crucial break to the 2020 Olympic gold medallist, who waiting for it patiently.

Learning to be the best

The German for the first time in a while showed his vulnerability after taking a 4-3 lead. He conceded his serve after taking a 4-3 lead and then broke back to win the set 6-4.

“I am sure, I will be playing the next few matches much better. Sometimes that’s what makes the best players, finding a way out to win when you are not playing well. Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], Novak [Djokovic] and Andy [Murray] did that during the last 20 years. I am trying to learn from them,” he said.