French Open 2025: Alexander Zverev channels inner Roger Federer with 'highlight reel' winner that HITS net post

Alexander Zverev produced a sensational return winner in his opening round match at the French Open. Zverev, the world No. 3, faced Learner Tien, the highly-rated American, on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, and flashed a backhand winner down the line via the net post as his opponent served to stay in the first set. The German was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in last year's final in five sets.

Alexander Zverev channelled his inner Roger Federer as he took an unorthodox route to hit an extraordinary winner at the French Open. 

The German, the third seed at Roland-Garros, was facing Learner Tien, the talented young American prospect, in his opening round on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

Tien was serving to stay in the first set at 3-5 down when Zverev produced a piece of exceptional tennis to pile on the pressure at 0-30. 

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The American hit an accurate serve into Zverev's backhand, only to see last year’s defeated finalist - from way off the court - produce a sublime return winner, but not in the traditional way. 

Tennis fans always love a winner around the net, but how about one that hits the net post?

Zverev's backhand ever so slightly clipped the metal post on its way through, although it didn’t affect the ball’s direction as it flew past Tien for a clean winner. 

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The German conducted the raucous French applause that greeted the spectacular shot, and it really surprised Simon Reed and Pippa Horn in the TNT Sports commentary box. 

"Oh yeah!" Reed exclaimed. "Was that round the net post? [Zverev] thinks it was, and so does Dad."

"I reckon that’s going to be on the highlights reel," Horn replied.

"It hit the net post!" Reed said on seeing the replay, shown after Zverev had wrapped up the set.

"I think he’s still thinking about that shot that hit the post! Fantastic. Look at that, just glances off the net post, but doesn’t alter its trajectory."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Zverev went on to take the first set 6-3 in just 33 minutes, with Tien double-faulting on set point.

Zverev’s shot brings about recollections of Federer’s freak shot through the net at the Laver Cup. 

The Swiss was playing in his farewell doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. 

Federer’s flicked forehand seemed to travel through the net cord between netting and post before going for a winner. 

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