World number three Alexander Zverev made a shaky start to his Australian Open campaign on Sunday, dropping a set before battling into the second round as he continues his quest for a first Grand Slam title.

The German, runner-up to Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, was pushed hard by 41st-ranked Canadian Gabriel Diallo before eventually prevailing 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

The victory sends Zverev into the second round at Melbourne Park for the 10th consecutive year, as he looks to challenge the recent Grand Slam dominance of Sinner and world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who have shared the last eight major titles.

However, the 28-year-old was made to work by Diallo, the tall 24-year-old who claimed his maiden ATP title last season and showcased his aggressive game throughout.

“Definitely wasn’t happy when I saw the draw,” Zverev admitted. “He’s very talented and unbelievably aggressive. It was hard to find my rhythm.”

Zverev struggled early against Diallo’s powerful serve and was broken in the opening set, slipping 4-1 behind. Although the Canadian failed to capitalise on a 40-0 lead in the next game and allowed Zverev to level at 4-4, the set ultimately went to a tie-break. Zverev saved a set point at 4-5 but was outplayed in the breaker as Diallo surged ahead.

The German responded emphatically, regrouping at the changeover and racing to a 4-0 lead in the second set with a double break. He needed just 31 minutes to level the match and swing the momentum decisively in his favour.

A pivotal moment came in the seventh game of the third set when Diallo missed a routine forehand from the baseline, handing Zverev a crucial break. With his opponent’s error count rising, Zverev took control and closed out the set.

Another early break in the fourth set put Zverev firmly on course, and he maintained his composure to see out the contest and book his place in round two.

Zverev will next face either Australian world number 49 Alexei Popyrin or France’s 50th-ranked Alexandre Müller.

Despite finishing the 2025 season with just one title in Munich due to injury setbacks, Zverev ended the year ranked third in the world behind Alcaraz and Sinner. While he fell short at the other three Grand Slams, his pursuit of a maiden major title continues.

Should Zverev finally lift the trophy in Melbourne at his 40th Grand Slam appearance, he would move to second on the Open Era list for most attempts before winning a first major title. Goran Ivanisevic currently holds the record, having claimed Wimbledon in 2001 on his 48th attempt.