Zverev beats Royer in three sets at Wimbledon 2026
Zverev dominates Royer in three sets on Center Court
The German advances to the third round at Wimbledon 2026 with a hard-fought victory over Matteo Royer in a match full of high tension and adverse conditions.
Dmitry Zverev qualified for the third round of Wimbledon 2026 by beating Matteo Royer in three sets on Center Court. The German, number 12 in the seeding, won 6-4 5-7 6-3 7-5 in a match that lasted two hours and forty minutes, characterized by powerful shots and tight exchanges. Royer, 35th in the ATP ranking, put up resistance especially in the second set, when he managed to break the tie-break after a long duel on the left diagonal.
Zverev, however, closed the third set with a decisive break and managed the final without giving in, taking advantage of his greater experience on grass. The match was played in strong wind conditions, which disturbed the accuracy of the shots especially in the second set, when Royer raised the level of the game. Zverev responded with a series of aces and winners from the baseline, hitting 12 aces in total against his opponent's 5.
At 5-5 in the third set, Royer had two break chances, but Zverev saved both with service winners. After the defeat, Royer admitted disappointment at the wasted points, but underlined his satisfaction at having fought until the end. "It was a tough match, especially in the second set.
I had my chances, but Zverev was colder in the decisive moments," said the Frenchman. Zverev, however, highlighted the difficulty of the grass: "This pitch is unpredictable, but today I hit it better than him". The Wimbledon grass remains one of the most unpredictable surfaces on the ATP circuit, where the slightest change in wind or bounce can turn a match on its head.
Zverev demonstrated his ability to manage these variables better than Royer, who also showed resilience in a hard-fought second set. The German's victory not only confirms his reliability on this surface, but also underlines the growing competitiveness of players beyond the top 20, capable of taking sets from the top seeds in adverse conditions. The third round of Wimbledon confirms itself as a crucial turning point for those who aspire to the title.
Zverev's track record on grass, including reaching the semi-final at Wimbledon 2021, makes him a solid candidate for the advanced stages of the tournament. Royer, for his part, leaves the match with the merit of having pushed a top 20 player to give their all, a positive sign for his grass season. Zverev's victory takes on added value if contextualized in the Wimbledon 2026 draw.
The German, inserted in the upper part of the draw, could soon meet another player in form like him, perhaps a former champion looking for redemption. Grass, then, tends to reward players with a powerful serve and an aggressive game from the baseline, distinctive traits of the German. Royer, on the other hand, showed he could compete with the top 20, but the lack of continuity in decisive moments cost him dearly.
His performance, however, is a sign that the average level of the circuit is rising, with outsiders ready to put even the most highly rated in difficulty. Another key element is Zverev's physical condition. The German, returning from a wrist injury in 2025, has shown that he has returned to pre-injury levels.
The victory over Royer, obtained in a long and physically demanding match, is a confirmation of his mental and athletic solidity. Royer, however, ended the match with 39 winners against Zverev's 28, but the German's greater efficiency in the decisive points made the difference. This data highlights how, on grass, precision in key shots is more important than the quantity of winners.
What happens now: Zverev will face in the fourth round an opponent yet to be defined among today's round of 16. Royer, however, will return to focus on the rankings, where he aims to consolidate his position among the top 30. Read at Sky Sport Italia
Why this matters
Zverev's victory on Center Court not only confirms his solidity on grass, but opens up interesting scenarios in the subsequent rounds. Royer, for his part, demonstrates that he can compete with the top 20, delivering a battle that kept the attention high on a tournament already full of twists and turns. The third round of Wimbledon confirms itself as a crucial test for those who aspire to the title. The Wimbledon grass, with its unpredictable variables, continues to highlight players capable of adapting quickly, like Zverev, and those who struggle to maintain consistency, as highlighted by Royer in decisive moments. Zverev's physical condition, then, is a further element that could make the difference in the coming weeks.
Frequently asked
Who is Dmitry Zverev?
Dmitry Zverev is a German tennis player, number 12 seeding at Wimbledon 2026. Former top 10 player, he is known for his aggressive game and solidity on all surfaces, with particular attention to grass.
How many aces did Zverev make in the match against Royer?
Zverev ended the match with 12 aces, against Matteo Royer's 5. The serve was one of the German's strong points in the victory.
Who is Zverev's next opponent at Wimbledon?
Zverev's opponent in the fourth round will be defined by today's round of 16. He could face a top 10 or an outsider, depending on the intersections of the draw.
How long did the match between Zverev and Royer last?
The match lasted two hours and forty minutes. A long time, typical of balanced matches on grass, where the rallies get long and the decisive shots arrive late.
Where was the match between Zverev and Royer played?
The match was played on Center Court, Wimbledon's main court, known for its atmosphere and unpredictable playing conditions.
What is Zverev's record on grass at Wimbledon?
Zverev reached the semi-final at Wimbledon 2021 and boasts a positive record on this surface. The win against Royer reinforces their reputation as reliable grass court players.
How did Zverev manage the wind conditions during the match?
Zverev used his serve to limit the impact of the wind, finishing 12 aces. It also adapted its strategy, favoring short, safe shots at times of greatest atmospheric turbulence.
