Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor delivered a career-defining moment as Griekspoor upsets Zverev, knocking out the top-seeded German Alexander Zverev in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters on Friday. Griekspoor clinched a thrilling three-set victory, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, marking his first win against a top-five player in 19 attempts and narrowing their head-to-head record to 2-6.
Historic Defeat for Zverev
Zverev’s exit made history, per Opta stats, as he became the first top seed since 1976 to lose his opening match at Indian Wells after winning the first set. Griekspoor now advances to face Frenchman Giovanni Mbitsche-Pericard, ranked 29th, who moved on after Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan retired trailing 6-4 due to injury.
Ruud Falls to Gerron
The upsets didn’t stop there. Fourth seed Casper Ruud of Norway also crashed out in the second round, falling to American Marcus Gerron in three sets, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. At 31 years and 226 days, Gerron became the third-oldest American to secure a maiden top-five victory. He’ll next meet Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, ranked 26th, who beat Belgium’s Zizou Burgess 7-6, 7-5.
Norrie Edges Leheska
Britain’s Cameron Norrie added to the second-round drama, ousting 23rd-ranked Czech Jiri Leheska 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Norrie sets up a third-round clash with tenth seed Tommy Paul of the USA, who dispatched compatriot Tristan Poire 6-3, 6-1. The Brit’s resilience could make this an exciting matchup.
Third-Round Stakes Rise
As Griekspoor upsets Zverev reverberates through the tournament, the third round promises more fireworks. With top seeds tumbling early, players like Griekspoor, Gerron, and Norrie have a golden opportunity to capitalize on the chaos and push deeper into Indian Wells.
