Last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev advanced to the third round of the Australian Open by overcoming Alexandre Muller 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday, navigating a determined opponent, a rain delay, and a brief injury scare in his pursuit of a first Grand Slam title.

Zverev controlled the opening set but dropped the second before regaining momentum in the third. He took a 4-2 lead, only for play to be interrupted by rain on John Cain Arena, threatening to disrupt the German’s rhythm.

After a near 40-minute delay—during which the roof was closed and the court dried—Zverev returned with minimal disruption, holding serve comfortably to close out the third set and seize control of the match.

In the fourth, Zverev broke Muller for the sixth time but briefly paused at 2-1, sitting down with what appeared to be a leg issue. Following medical treatment, the 28-year-old resumed play and continued to dominate.

A string of big winners from Zverev helped him shorten rallies, though he missed two match points before finally sealing the victory with a powerful ace. The win sets up a third-round clash with British 26th seed Cameron Norrie.