Zverev has done it in Madrid once again.
Sometimes there is an aura around players that makes them nigh-invincible and takes them a step above mortals. Michael Phelps in Olympics 2008 had that aura. The Messi of 2012 had that aura. Rafa in Rolland Garros exudes that aura.
And in Madrid Open 2021, world number 6 Alexander Zverev seems to be exuding that aura. The mercurial German has in a span of just 24 hours overcome 2 of the current best clay-court specialists in Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem. And, somehow, just somehow, it wasn’t just a win, it was a stomp twice in two days.
Zvrev will take on Matteo Berentinni,who overcame the challenge of Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-4,6-4.
“The rivalry is still developing” says Zverev
After saving a break point at 1-1, Zverev directed his attack into Thiem’s forehand and capitalised on double faults to gain the only break of the first set.
The German continued with his strategy in the second set to establish a 4-1 lead and, despite dropping serve late on, he converted his second match point with a crosscourt forehand winner to reach his eighth Masters 1000 final (3-4) and eventually win the match 6-3,6-4.
Also read:Alexander Zverev halts the Rafa juggernaut on clay in Madrid Open 2021
The German has charged through the draw to reach his second final at La Caja Magica. Prior to his win against Thiem, the 24-year-old also claimed straight-sets victories against former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori, Monte-Carlo semi-finalist Daniel Evans and five-time champion Nadal.
The NextGen superstar is aiming to win the Madrid title for the second time without dropping a set. Three years ago, Zverev faced just one break point throughout the tournament, which he saved, en route to his third ATP Masters 1000 crown.
“It is going to mean a lot to me [if I can win the final]. I am definitely looking forward to it,” Zverev said. “I am definitely looking forward to playing another big final and I hope I can turn it my way this time.”
Speaking about his intense rivalry with Dominic Thiem, against whom he lost the US Open finals last year, Zverev said-“We have had some fantastic matches. We have played the biggest matches in the world. We have played Masters 1000 finals, we have played Grand Slam finals and [the rivalry] is still developing,” Zverev said in his post-match interview. “It is still going to go on for a few more years. Hopefully, we will play a few more amazing matches.”
Zverev owns a 1-8 ATP Head2Head record against the World No. 4 outside of Madrid, but he has won both his encounters with Thiem on this court. Zverev also beat the third seed in straight sets in the 2018 championship match.
The Madrid Open 2021 Men’s singles finale is expected to air at 7 PM Madrid local time(5 pm GMT).
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