Alexander Zverev outlasted Australia's John Millman in the longest match of the French Open so far, winning 7-6 (4), 6-3, 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-3 on Tuesday in 4 hours and 8 minutes.
"Exactly how I expected it to be honestly. I expected it to be a very long match. I expected it to be a very tough match," said Zverev, who survived three straight three-set matches to win the title last week in Geneva, Switzerland.
"John is someone who plays unbelievable at Grand Slams, he always has. He's very, very fit. I knew that it was going to be difficult and I'm just happy to be through."
Zverev lost only four service points in the final set, breaking serve at 4-3 and holding at love to advance to the second round. He next faces Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer, a 6-0, 6-3, 7-6 (5) winner against Blaz Rola.
