World No. 3 Alexander Zverev produced a dominant showing on Sunday, January 25, overwhelming 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo to move into the Australian Open quarterfinals. The German imposed himself early and never loosened his grip on the match.

Zverev closed out a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory in two hours and 12 minutes, firing 35 winners in a display of controlled aggression. The straight-sets result stood out as his sharpest performance of the tournament to date.

The victory marked a clear step forward for last year’s finalist, who had been dragged into four-set battles in each of his opening three matches. This time, Zverev dictated play throughout and avoided the extended exchanges that had tested him earlier.

Zverev sharpens his edge

Cerundolo attempted to counter Zverev’s power with consistency and movement from the baseline. Those efforts were repeatedly neutralized as Zverev took time away and pressed relentlessly off both wings.

The German seized control of the opening set and maintained steady pressure through the second and third, denying Cerundolo any sustained momentum. His serving efficiency and cleaner ball-striking proved decisive in keeping the match firmly on his terms.

For Zverev, the performance served as a timely reminder of his credentials as a Grand Slam contender. The authority of the win suggested his game is aligning as the tournament reaches its critical phase.

Quarterfinal test awaits

With the victory, Zverev advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals and kept alive his pursuit of a first major title. The focus now shifts to another high-stakes encounter as the draw continues to narrow.

Zverev will next face American 25th seed Learner Tien, who stunned former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev earlier in the day. The matchup presents a fresh challenge as Zverev looks to carry his momentum deeper into the tournament.