tennis - Zverev before Final in Hamburg: "Hardest match of the week"
Starting strongly, momentarily weakened - and ultimately victorious: Tennis player Alexander Zverev stormed into the final at his home tournament in Hamburg once again. The 27-year-old left no chance for the brave-fighting Spanish player Pedro Martinez in the semifinals. After 1 hour and 24 minutes, the Olympian and title defender converted his second match point into a 6:2, 6:4 victory. The 9,500 spectators in the Arena am Rothenbaum cheered Zverev enthusiastically. "It's incredibly fun to play in front of this audience and in this weather," Zverev said in the on-court interview.
In the final, Zverev faces Frenchman Arthur Fils on Sunday (3:00 p.m./Sky). The 20-year-old had also defeated Argentinian Sebastian Baez just as decisively with a 6:2, 6:2 score and left a strong impression.
Zverev with respect for final opponent Fils
"He plays wild sometimes, but he's a fantastic talent," Zverev said on broadcaster Sky. In the previous year, Fils had clearly lost to him in the semifinals at the Rasenturnier in Halle/Westfalen. Zverev had defeated the talent in the quarterfinals with three sets.
Fils had not planned to participate in the tournament in Hamburg in his preparations for the Olympics in Paris. It was only his coach Sébastien Grosjean who convinced him to compete. "He called me during my vacation," Fils recounted. Now, for the first time, he is in the final of an ATP500 tournament. "That's good for my confidence before the Olympics," he said.
Zverev strong in the first set
"This will be the toughest match of the week for me," Zverev said, looking ahead to the final. He demonstrated his current form, as the world number four also showed against Martinez. His left knee problems only became noticeable during breaks before side changes. Zverev spent the match standing as he had done on previous days. In the match itself, there was no sign of hindrance from Zverev. He again relied on his serve, hitting a total of 13 aces this time. After breaks to lead 2:1 and 5:2, he won the first set confidently with a 6:2 score.
German Olympic doubles team also in the final
In the doubles, it will also be a German-French final. The German Olympic doubles team Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz play on Sunday (12:30 p.m.) against Édouard Roger-Vasselin and Fabien Reboul. Krawietz and Puetz advanced to the final by defeating Hendrik Jebens and Constantin Frantzen 7:5, 6:3 in a German semifinal.
- Alexander Zverev's next challenge in Hamburg is Frenchman Arthur Fils on Sunday at 3:00 p.m., broadcast on Sky.
- Fils participated in the Hamburg tournament despite not initially planning to, as encouraged by his coach Sébastien Grosjean.
- Zverev expressed respect for his final opponent, acknowledging Fils' wild play but commending him as a fantastic talent.
- As the tournament progresses, the sky above Hamburg will witness another intense match between Zverev and Fils, promising an exciting endgame for tennis fans.
