When Alexander Zverev addressed reporters on the eve of Australian Open 2025, he asked, “Everybody knows what my goal and my dreams are, right?”

Indeed.

The German has always been open about wanting to win a Grand Slam.

There was agony for him at the 2020 US Open, as Zverev led by two sets but couldn’t serve out the finale against pal Dominic Thiem.

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More came last year in his second final at a major, relinquishing a 2-1 lead in sets against Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open.

In both those fortnights, Zverev dug deep in early rounds, which possibly took a toll during the final weekend. Overall at majors, extended affairs aren’t unusual for the 27-year-old.

Up to No.2 in the world – wedged between Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz – advancing to the second week without too much fuss must be a priority, and Zverev duly started with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win against Lucas Pouille on Sunday night at Rod Laver Arena.  

At two hours, 21 minutes, it marked his quickest passage to round two in Melbourne since 2019. On every other occasion, he either needed at least two hours, 38 minutes or at least four sets.

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Not too long ago, a Zverev duel with Pouille might have happened in later rounds.

Pouille was once ranked No.10 in the world, reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park in 2019, and is one of just 10 men to down Rafael Nadal in a fifth set at a Grand Slam.

But dealing with depression – the Frenchman has spoken openly about his struggles – his ranking dropped to outside the top 600.