What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
That is precisely what transpired in the finale of the Madrid Open as the impeccable talent of Alexander Zverev faltered, recovered, and ultimately triumphed over the indomitable grit of Matteo Berrettini. The win also ends Zverev’s title drought after 3 consecutive losses in the finals.
The title becomes even more special owing to the fact that the German youngster overcame three top 10 players in a row to clinch the title,having defeated Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in the previous rounds.
“I feel awesome!” says Alexander Zverev after the win
After trading breaks late in the first set, Berrettini overpowered Zverev to establish a 5/0 tie-break lead. Zverev made a remarkable comeback to earn set point at 7/6, but Berrettini played with aggression on his serve and forehand to escape danger. Four points later, the Italian fired another powerful serve out wide to convert his fourth set point.
Also read:Madrid Open 2021-Mercurial Alexander Zverev exacts revenge over Dominic Thiem to reach the finale
Zverev served with confidence and capitalised on a series of errors from his opponent at 4-4 in the second set to push the match to a decider, and he rode the momentum into the third set.
The 2018 Nitto ATP Finals champion outlasted Berrettini in baseline rallies to break at 2-2 and he converted his second championship point when the eighth seed fired wide on an attempted crosscourt backhand.
“It is great [to win this title], especially after losing my last three finals I played at Masters 1000 events,” he said “This is definitely special and I just want to enjoy this one.”
The German was all praises for his opponent too after the game.
“[Matteo’s] game style showed it all,” Alexander Zverev said. “I didn’t play anybody this week that can serve 235[km/h] on clay and serve 230km/h kick serves. It definitely was a different match and I am extremely happy right now.”
For tennis-all roads lead to Rome:
The Italian Open is set to begin in Rome and will act as a final destination for many of the top seeds before the culmination of clay season in Rolland Garros.
Defending champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic headlines the draw, followed by nine-time champion Rafael Nadal. Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev and Diego Schwartzman round out the remaining top seeds, making it one of the most packed Masters 1000 events in recent history.
And,whoever emerges triumphant in Rome would no doubt be a frontrunner to lift the French Open title.
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