‘I kept fighting' – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

Alexander Zverev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a dominant display.

Zverev overcame early serving woes to deliver his “best match of the last few months” as he battled through eight second-set double faults to set up a semi-final tie with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I think this was maybe the best match of the last few months from my side, except maybe the end a little bit,” Zverev said.

ATP Madrid

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AN HOUR AGO

“Throughout one-and-a-half sets I played good tennis and I hope I can continue playing this way.”

World number three Zverev was on course for a routine victory after going a set up, but wobbled late on, missing four chances to make it a double break in the second.

This gave Auger-Aliassime a lifeline and allowed the Canadian to secure his first break of the match to level the set.

Zverev’s quality shone through as he reasserted himself late on, and created two match points on the return at 4-5 to finish the match off with his fourth break to avoid a tie-break.

“I couldn’t put a serve in the court, I had chances to go up 5-1 in the second set and I think the match would have been over,” Zverev said, explaining why the match tightened up late on.

But I didn’t use my chances and he fought back well. But I kept fighting as well, and that’s how I got the win.

Despite nine double faults in the match, Zverev still won 56 per cent of his second-serve points, far outpacing Auger-Aliassime’s 13 of 34 (38 per cent).

His all-round game was at its imperious best, as he also won 74 per cent of points to his opponent’s 65 per cent.

Zverev will now set his sights on a replay of the Monte Carlo semi-final, where he will eye redemption against Tsitsipas.

Speaking about his semi-final opponent, Zverev said: “Rafa is on his way back and Novak is starting to gain momentum, but right now maybe he’s the best clay-court player in the world.

“I think I need to play my best level to have a chance, but I’m looking forward to this match because in Monte Carlo he beat me quite easily. I hope I can change that.”

Highlights: Tsitsipas books last four place in Madrid with epic three-set win over Rublev

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Tsitsipas enjoying ‘being creative on the court’ after beating Rublev in Madrid

12 HOURS AGO

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‘I kept fighting' – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

Alexander Zverev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a dominant display.

Zverev overcame early serving woes to deliver his “best match of the last few months” as he battled through eight second-set double faults to set up a semi-final tie with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I think this was maybe the best match of the last few months from my side, except maybe the end a little bit,” Zverev said.

ATP Madrid

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“Throughout one-and-a-half sets I played good tennis and I hope I can continue playing this way.”

World number three Zverev was on course for a routine victory after going a set up, but wobbled late on, missing four chances to make it a double break in the second.

This gave Auger-Aliassime a lifeline and allowed the Canadian to secure his first break of the match to level the set.

Zverev’s quality shone through as he reasserted himself late on, and created two match points on the return at 4-5 to finish the match off with his fourth break to avoid a tie-break.

“I couldn’t put a serve in the court, I had chances to go up 5-1 in the second set and I think the match would have been over,” Zverev said, explaining why the match tightened up late on.

But I didn’t use my chances and he fought back well. But I kept fighting as well, and that’s how I got the win.

Despite nine double faults in the match, Zverev still won 56 per cent of his second-serve points, far outpacing Auger-Aliassime’s 13 of 34 (38 per cent).

His all-round game was at its imperious best, as he also won 74 per cent of points to his opponent’s 65 per cent.

Zverev will now set his sights on a replay of the Monte Carlo semi-final, where he will eye redemption against Tsitsipas.

Speaking about his semi-final opponent, Zverev said: “Rafa is on his way back and Novak is starting to gain momentum, but right now maybe he’s the best clay-court player in the world.

“I think I need to play my best level to have a chance, but I’m looking forward to this match because in Monte Carlo he beat me quite easily. I hope I can change that.”

Highlights: Tsitsipas books last four place in Madrid with epic three-set win over Rublev

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Tsitsipas enjoying ‘being creative on the court’ after beating Rublev in Madrid

13 HOURS AGO

ATP Madrid

Who will land first blow as clay’s ‘Big Five’ face off for first time?

02/05/2022 AT 08:23

‘I kept fighting' – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

Alexander Zverev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a dominant display.

Zverev overcame early serving woes to deliver his “best match of the last few months” as he battled through eight second-set double faults to set up a semi-final tie with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I think this was maybe the best match of the last few months from my side, except maybe the end a little bit,” Zverev said.

ATP Madrid

Djokovic on ‘amazing’ Alcaraz, Real Madrid stars attend Spanish clash – Madrid Open diary

5 HOURS AGO

“Throughout one-and-a-half sets I played good tennis and I hope I can continue playing this way.”

World number three Zverev was on course for a routine victory after going a set up, but wobbled late on, missing four chances to make it a double break in the second.

This gave Auger-Aliassime a lifeline and allowed the Canadian to secure his first break of the match to level the set.

Zverev’s quality shone through as he reasserted himself late on, and created two match points on the return at 4-5 to finish the match off with his fourth break to avoid a tie-break.

“I couldn’t put a serve in the court, I had chances to go up 5-1 in the second set and I think the match would have been over,” Zverev said, explaining why the match tightened up late on.

But I didn’t use my chances and he fought back well. But I kept fighting as well, and that’s how I got the win.

Despite nine double faults in the match, Zverev still won 56 per cent of his second-serve points, far outpacing Auger-Aliassime’s 13 of 34 (38 per cent).

His all-round game was at its imperious best, as he also won 74 per cent of points to his opponent’s 65 per cent.

Zverev will now set his sights on a replay of the Monte Carlo semi-final, where he will eye redemption against Tsitsipas.

Speaking about his semi-final opponent, Zverev said: “Rafa is on his way back and Novak is starting to gain momentum, but right now maybe he’s the best clay-court player in the world.

“I think I need to play my best level to have a chance, but I’m looking forward to this match because in Monte Carlo he beat me quite easily. I hope I can change that.”

Highlights: Tsitsipas books last four place in Madrid with epic three-set win over Rublev

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

Tsitsipas enjoying ‘being creative on the court’ after beating Rublev in Madrid

17 HOURS AGO

ATP Madrid

Who will land first blow as clay’s ‘Big Five’ face off for first time?

02/05/2022 AT 08:23

‘I kept fighting' – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

Alexander Zverev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a dominant display.

Zverev overcame early serving woes to deliver his “best match of the last few months” as he battled through eight second-set double faults to set up a semi-final tie with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I think this was maybe the best match of the last few months from my side, except maybe the end a little bit,” Zverev said.

ATP Madrid

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5 HOURS AGO

“Throughout one-and-a-half sets I played good tennis and I hope I can continue playing this way.”

World number three Zverev was on course for a routine victory after going a set up, but wobbled late on, missing four chances to make it a double break in the second.

This gave Auger-Aliassime a lifeline and allowed the Canadian to secure his first break of the match to level the set.

Zverev’s quality shone through as he reasserted himself late on, and created two match points on the return at 4-5 to finish the match off with his fourth break to avoid a tie-break.

“I couldn’t put a serve in the court, I had chances to go up 5-1 in the second set and I think the match would have been over,” Zverev said, explaining why the match tightened up late on.

But I didn’t use my chances and he fought back well. But I kept fighting as well, and that’s how I got the win.

Despite nine double faults in the match, Zverev still won 56 per cent of his second-serve points, far outpacing Auger-Aliassime’s 13 of 34 (38 per cent).

His all-round game was at its imperious best, as he also won 74 per cent of points to his opponent’s 65 per cent.

Zverev will now set his sights on a replay of the Monte Carlo semi-final, where he will eye redemption against Tsitsipas.

Speaking about his semi-final opponent, Zverev said: “Rafa is on his way back and Novak is starting to gain momentum, but right now maybe he’s the best clay-court player in the world.

“I think I need to play my best level to have a chance, but I’m looking forward to this match because in Monte Carlo he beat me quite easily. I hope I can change that.”

Highlights: Tsitsipas books last four place in Madrid with epic three-set win over Rublev

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

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‘I kept fighting' – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

Alexander Zverev beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a dominant display.

Zverev overcame early serving woes to deliver his “best match of the last few months” as he battled through eight second-set double faults to set up a semi-final tie with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I think this was maybe the best match of the last few months from my side, except maybe the end a little bit,” Zverev said.

ATP Madrid

Exclusive: Alcaraz ready for the French Open ahead of Zverev showdown

6 HOURS AGO

“Throughout one-and-a-half sets I played good tennis and I hope I can continue playing this way.”

World number three Zverev was on course for a routine victory after going a set up, but wobbled late on, missing four chances to make it a double break in the second.

This gave Auger-Aliassime a lifeline and allowed the Canadian to secure his first break of the match to level the set.

Zverev’s quality shone through as he reasserted himself late on, and created two match points on the return at 4-5 to finish the match off with his fourth break to avoid a tie-break.

“I couldn’t put a serve in the court, I had chances to go up 5-1 in the second set and I think the match would have been over,” Zverev said, explaining why the match tightened up late on.

But I didn’t use my chances and he fought back well. But I kept fighting as well, and that’s how I got the win.

Despite nine double faults in the match, Zverev still won 56 per cent of his second-serve points, far outpacing Auger-Aliassime’s 13 of 34 (38 per cent).

His all-round game was at its imperious best, as he also won 74 per cent of points to his opponent’s 65 per cent.

Zverev will now set his sights on a replay of the Monte Carlo semi-final, where he will eye redemption against Tsitsipas.

Speaking about his semi-final opponent, Zverev said: “Rafa is on his way back and Novak is starting to gain momentum, but right now maybe he’s the best clay-court player in the world.

“I think I need to play my best level to have a chance, but I’m looking forward to this match because in Monte Carlo he beat me quite easily. I hope I can change that.”

Highlights: Tsitsipas books last four place in Madrid with epic three-set win over Rublev

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

ATP Madrid

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Tsitsipas enjoying 'being creative on the court' after beating Rublev in Madrid

Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a three-set victory over Andrey Rublev.

After going through 6-3 2-6 6-4, the Greek player said: “I’m feeling great to be honest. I really hope it can continue that way. It feels great playing so aggressive and being creative on the court.”

Tsitsipas made a blinding start, taking the first game to love on serve before breaking his opponent at the fifth attempt in the second to take control of the set.

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After the fourth seed raced into a 4-1 lead, Rublev – who arrived in Madrid fresh from beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Serbia Open – showed his grit and determination to battle back, playing aggressive tennis to stay in touch with Tsitsipas.

However, the Greek player continued his exceptional serving game to take the first set 6-3.

Rublev destroyed British hopes in Madrid after beating Jack Draper and Dan Evans to set up his clash with Tsitsipas, and he regained that previously seen determination in the second set. Maintaining his powerful approach, the sixth seed was the first to break serve to take a 4-2 lead. After a sluggish start, he was pumped up – almost too much after getting involved in a heated argument with the umpire over a challenged decision.

Loose play from Tsitsipas saw him throw away a number of points to give Rublev increased confidence – epitomised by a passing cross-court winner which drew gasps from the crowd, as he levelled the tie at a set apiece.

The third set saw the players go toe-to-toe until Tsitsipas picked his moment to break to love, take a 5-4 lead and give himself the chance to serve his way to the semi-final. Nerves set in, and the 23-year-old slipped to allow two break points to his opponent. However, he saved them both before fighting through to take the win.

Reflecting on the match, Tsitsipas said: “He was really playing a lot of force into the strokes. It wasn’t easy predicting what was going to come next.

“Never easy playing him. Had to really survive that last game, and put my best strength and give out my soul to finish it in such a good way.”

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Tsitsipas enjoying 'being creative on the court' after beating Rublev in Madrid

Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a three-set victory over Andrey Rublev.

After going through 6-3 2-6 6-4, the Greek player said: “I’m feeling great to be honest. I really hope it can continue that way. It feels great playing so aggressive and being creative on the court.”

Tsitsipas made a blinding start, taking the first game to love on serve before breaking his opponent at the fifth attempt in the second to take control of the set.

ATP Madrid

‘I kept fighting’ – Zverev overcomes serving woes to set up Tsitsipas showdown

AN HOUR AGO

After the fourth seed raced into a 4-1 lead, Rublev – who arrived in Madrid fresh from beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Serbia Open – showed his grit and determination to battle back, playing aggressive tennis to stay in touch with Tsitsipas.

However, the Greek player continued his exceptional serving game to take the first set 6-3.

Rublev destroyed British hopes in Madrid after beating Jack Draper and Dan Evans to set up his clash with Tsitsipas, and he regained that previously seen determination in the second set. Maintaining his powerful approach, the sixth seed was the first to break serve to take a 4-2 lead. After a sluggish start, he was pumped up – almost too much after getting involved in a heated argument with the umpire over a challenged decision.

Loose play from Tsitsipas saw him throw away a number of points to give Rublev increased confidence – epitomised by a passing cross-court winner which drew gasps from the crowd, as he levelled the tie at a set apiece.

The third set saw the players go toe-to-toe until Tsitsipas picked his moment to break to love, take a 5-4 lead and give himself the chance to serve his way to the semi-final. Nerves set in, and the 23-year-old slipped to allow two break points to his opponent. However, he saved them both before fighting through to take the win.

Reflecting on the match, Tsitsipas said: “He was really playing a lot of force into the strokes. It wasn’t easy predicting what was going to come next.

“Never easy playing him. Had to really survive that last game, and put my best strength and give out my soul to finish it in such a good way.”

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Tsitsipas enjoying 'being creative on the court' after beating Rublev in Madrid

Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after a three-set victory over Andrey Rublev.

After going through 6-3 2-6 6-4, the Greek player said: “I’m feeling great to be honest. I really hope it can continue that way. It feels great playing so aggressive and being creative on the court.”

Tsitsipas made a blinding start, taking the first game to love on serve before breaking his opponent at the fifth attempt in the second to take control of the set.

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After the fourth seed raced into a 4-1 lead, Rublev – who arrived in Madrid fresh from beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Serbia Open – showed his grit and determination to battle back, playing aggressive tennis to stay in touch with Tsitsipas.

However, the Greek player continued his exceptional serving game to take the first set 6-3.

Rublev destroyed British hopes in Madrid after beating Jack Draper and Dan Evans to set up his clash with Tsitsipas, and he regained that previously seen determination in the second set. Maintaining his powerful approach, the sixth seed was the first to break serve to take a 4-2 lead. After a sluggish start, he was pumped up – almost too much after getting involved in a heated argument with the umpire over a challenged decision.

Loose play from Tsitsipas saw him throw away a number of points to give Rublev increased confidence – epitomised by a passing cross-court winner which drew gasps from the crowd, as he levelled the tie at a set apiece.

The third set saw the players go toe-to-toe until Tsitsipas picked his moment to break to love, take a 5-4 lead and give himself the chance to serve his way to the semi-final. Nerves set in, and the 23-year-old slipped to allow two break points to his opponent. However, he saved them both before fighting through to take the win.

Reflecting on the match, Tsitsipas said: “He was really playing a lot of force into the strokes. It wasn’t easy predicting what was going to come next.

“Never easy playing him. Had to really survive that last game, and put my best strength and give out my soul to finish it in such a good way.”

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