Alexander claimed the opener and led 4-1 in the final set. Instead of toppling the lower-ranked opponent, Alexander dropped the final five games and propelled his rival toward his first top-10 victory. Zverev did not feel well in Acapulco, and it reflected on his campaign.

That’s Zverev right now, who lost to Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) in his first match at Indian Wells — as the top seed no less — on Friday.

World number two Alexander Zverev, beaten by Tallon Griekspoor in his Indian Wells opener, said "terrible" play has pushed thoughts of supplanting Jannik Sinner atop the rankings out of his mind."Now it's less,