Zverev avoids shock Australian Open upset by qualifier Klein

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev survived an almighty scare at the Australian Open on Thursday as the former semifinalist dug deep to beat Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(7) and move into the third round.

Rain forced the 4-1/2-hour contest to be completed under the roof on John Cain Arena and Zverev found himself in huge trouble as world number 163 Klein turned up the pressure after losing the opening set to take the next two.

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“I would have much rather won in an hour-and-a-half but what can I do,” Zverev said.