Category: Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas Rallies To Oust Zverev, Reaches Rome Final

May 14, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev wrote another gripping chapter in their 2022 clay-court rivalry at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday afternoon, with fourth-seeded Tsitsipas running out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 winner in the semi-finals in Rome.

In the third clay-court ATP Masters 1000 semi-final between the pair this season, Tsitsipas recovered from the disappointment of losing a hard-fought opening set to complete a stirring comeback win and reach the final in the Italian capital for the first time.

“He wasn’t giving me much, he made me work hard for every single point,” said Tsitsipas after the match. “I’m extremely proud of the way things turned around, and I was able to read the gameplay a little bit better and understand what was working at that time.”

The victory was Tsitsipas’ 31st of 2022, extending his lead over second-placed Carlos Alcaraz (28) on the leaderboard for most match wins for the season. His run to the semi-finals in Rome has moved the Greek up one place to No. 4 in the Pepperstone Live ATP Rankings, and Tsitsipas’ outstanding form on the clay has put him among the favourites for the French Open at Roland Garros in a week’s time.

The Greek was particularly strong on serve throughout against Zverev and stayed consistent from the baseline to halt his opponent’s early momentum in an engrossing two-hour, 29-minute win. Tsitsipas was delighted to have made it a maiden championship match in Rome, having suffered semi-final disappointment against Rafael Nadal in 2019.

“It’s one of those tournaments that I think has the most history in sport,” said Tsitsipas. “As you can see looking around the sides, one of the most beautiful stadiums. There’s a lot of history playing on these courts and you feel very proud that you made your way here and are able to participate in such a historically rich event.”

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Tsitsipas was a straight-sets winner over Zverev en route to the title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April, but the German exacted revenge for that semi-final defeat with a three-set win in the final four at the Mutua Madrid Open a week ago. Tsitsipas and Zverev are the only players to reach the semi-finals at all three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on clay this season, meaning anticipation was high for a blockbuster clash at the Foro Italico.

A high-quality start saw no break points in the opening six games, with both players demonstrating the impressive serving that has powered their strong form on the clay this year. It was Zverev who made the first move, converting the only break point of the set for 4-3, and the German found enough first serves to resist a Tsitsipas fightback as he clinched an entertaining first set.

ATP WTA Live App

As in Madrid last week, Tsitsipas was able to recover from dropping the opening set to generate a momentum swing in the second. The Greek was aided by a lapse in Zverev’s level, however, with the second seed double faulting to hand Tsitsipas an early break for 2-0. Although Zverev deployed his first serve to good effect to fend off Tsitsipas’ efforts to break again, the Greek remained comfortable behind his own delivery to force a decider.

Although he competed well throughout, Zverev was never quite able to regain the consistency in his groundstrokes from the first set. Tsitsipas’ ballstriking remained solid rather than spectacular, but that proved enough to break the German twice more as the Greek ran out a comfortable winner in the deciding set.

The Conversion and Steal scores for the third set reflect how clinical Tsitsipas was in taking his opportunities at the tailend of the match. The Greek won 70 per cent of points from attacking positions in the deciding set, while also finding a way to win 48 per cent of points from defensive ones as he outscored his opponent in both departments.

Third Set Insights:
<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/14/17/00/tsitsipas-zverev-insights-rome-2022-saturday.jpg" alt="Stefanos Tsitsipas Vs. Alexander Zverev Insights”>

The win extends Tsitsipas’ ATP Head2Head series lead over Zverev to 8-4. The Greek will play for a third Masters 1000 title in Sunday’s championship match, where his opponent will be World No. 1 Novak Djokovic or fifth seed Casper Ruud.

Tsitsipas Rallies To Oust Zverev, Reaches Rome Final

May 14, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev wrote another gripping chapter in their 2022 clay-court rivalry at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday afternoon, with fourth-seeded Tsitsipas running out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 winner in the semi-finals in Rome.

In the third clay-court ATP Masters 1000 semi-final between the pair this season, Tsitsipas recovered from the disappointment of losing a hard-fought opening set to complete a stirring comeback win and reach the final in the Italian capital for the first time.

“He wasn’t giving me much, he made me work hard for every single point,” said Tsitsipas after the match. “I’m extremely proud of the way things turned around, and I was able to read the gameplay a little bit better and understand what was working at that time.”

The victory was Tsitsipas’ 31st of 2022, extending his lead over second-placed Carlos Alcaraz (28) on the leaderboard for most match wins for the season. His run to the semi-finals in Rome has moved the Greek up one place to No. 4 in the Pepperstone Live ATP Rankings, and Tsitsipas’ outstanding form on the clay has put him among the favourites for the French Open at Roland Garros in a week’s time.

The Greek was particularly strong on serve throughout against Zverev and stayed consistent from the baseline to halt his opponent’s early momentum in an engrossing two-hour, 29-minute win. Tsitsipas was delighted to have made it a maiden championship match in Rome, having suffered semi-final disappointment against Rafael Nadal in 2019.

“It’s one of those tournaments that I think has the most history in sport,” said Tsitsipas. “As you can see looking around the sides, one of the most beautiful stadiums. There’s a lot of history playing on these courts and you feel very proud that you made your way here and are able to participate in such a historically rich event.”

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Tsitsipas was a straight-sets winner over Zverev en route to the title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April, but the German exacted revenge for that semi-final defeat with a three-set win in the final four at the Mutua Madrid Open a week ago. Tsitsipas and Zverev are the only players to reach the semi-finals at all three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on clay this season, meaning anticipation was high for a blockbuster clash at the Foro Italico.

A high-quality start saw no break points in the opening six games, with both players demonstrating the impressive serving that has powered their strong form on the clay this year. It was Zverev who made the first move, converting the only break point of the set for 4-3, and the German found enough first serves to resist a Tsitsipas fightback as he clinched an entertaining first set.

ATP WTA Live App

As in Madrid last week, Tsitsipas was able to recover from dropping the opening set to generate a momentum swing in the second. The Greek was aided by a lapse in Zverev’s level, however, with the second seed double faulting to hand Tsitsipas an early break for 2-0. Although Zverev deployed his first serve to good effect to fend off Tsitsipas’ efforts to break again, the Greek remained comfortable behind his own delivery to force a decider.

Although he competed well throughout, Zverev was never quite able to regain the consistency in his groundstrokes from the first set. Tsitsipas’ ballstriking remained solid rather than spectacular, but that proved enough to break the German twice more as the Greek ran out a comfortable winner in the deciding set.

The Conversion and Steal scores for the third set reflect how clinical Tsitsipas was in taking his opportunities at the tailend of the match. The Greek won 70 per cent of points from attacking positions in the deciding set, while also finding a way to win 48 per cent of points from defensive ones as he outscored his opponent in both departments.

Third Set Insights:
<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/14/17/00/tsitsipas-zverev-insights-rome-2022-saturday.jpg" alt="Stefanos Tsitsipas Vs. Alexander Zverev Insights”>

The win extends Tsitsipas’ ATP Head2Head series lead over Zverev to 8-4. The Greek will play for a third Masters 1000 title in Sunday’s championship match, where his opponent will be World No. 1 Novak Djokovic or fifth seed Casper Ruud.

Tsitsipas Rallies To Oust Zverev, Reaches Rome Final

May 14, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev wrote another gripping chapter in their 2022 clay-court rivalry at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday afternoon, with fourth-seeded Tsitsipas running out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 winner in the semi-finals in Rome.

In the third clay-court ATP Masters 1000 semi-final between the pair this season, Tsitsipas recovered from the disappointment of losing a hard-fought opening set to complete a stirring comeback win and reach the final in the Italian capital for the first time.

“He wasn’t giving me much, he made me work hard for every single point,” said Tsitsipas after the match. “I’m extremely proud of the way things turned around, and I was able to read the gameplay a little bit better and understand what was working at that time.”

The victory was Tsitsipas’ 31st of 2022, extending his lead over second-placed Carlos Alcaraz (28) on the leaderboard for most match wins for the season. His run to the semi-finals in Rome has moved the Greek up one place to No. 4 in the Pepperstone Live ATP Rankings, and Tsitsipas’ outstanding form on the clay has put him among the favourites for the French Open at Roland Garros in a week’s time.

The Greek was particularly strong on serve throughout against Zverev and stayed consistent from the baseline to halt his opponent’s early momentum in an engrossing two-hour, 29-minute win. Tsitsipas was delighted to have made it a maiden championship match in Rome, having suffered semi-final disappointment against Rafael Nadal in 2019.

“It’s one of those tournaments that I think has the most history in sport,” said Tsitsipas. “As you can see looking around the sides, one of the most beautiful stadiums. There’s a lot of history playing on these courts and you feel very proud that you made your way here and are able to participate in such a historically rich event.”

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Tsitsipas was a straight-sets winner over Zverev en route to the title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April, but the German exacted revenge for that semi-final defeat with a three-set win in the final four at the Mutua Madrid Open a week ago. Tsitsipas and Zverev are the only players to reach the semi-finals at all three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on clay this season, meaning anticipation was high for a blockbuster clash at the Foro Italico.

A high-quality start saw no break points in the opening six games, with both players demonstrating the impressive serving that has powered their strong form on the clay this year. It was Zverev who made the first move, converting the only break point of the set for 4-3, and the German found enough first serves to resist a Tsitsipas fightback as he clinched an entertaining first set.

ATP WTA Live App

As in Madrid last week, Tsitsipas was able to recover from dropping the opening set to generate a momentum swing in the second. The Greek was aided by a lapse in Zverev’s level, however, with the second seed double faulting to hand Tsitsipas an early break for 2-0. Although Zverev deployed his first serve to good effect to fend off Tsitsipas’ efforts to break again, the Greek remained comfortable behind his own delivery to force a decider.

Although he competed well throughout, Zverev was never quite able to regain the consistency in his groundstrokes from the first set. Tsitsipas’ ballstriking remained solid rather than spectacular, but that proved enough to break the German twice more as the Greek ran out a comfortable winner in the deciding set.

The Conversion and Steal scores for the third set reflect how clinical Tsitsipas was in taking his opportunities at the tailend of the match. The Greek won 70 per cent of points from attacking positions in the deciding set, while also finding a way to win 48 per cent of points from defensive ones as he outscored his opponent in both departments.

Third Set Insights:
<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/14/17/00/tsitsipas-zverev-insights-rome-2022-saturday.jpg" alt="Stefanos Tsitsipas Vs. Alexander Zverev Insights”>

The win extends Tsitsipas’ ATP Head2Head series lead over Zverev to 8-4. The Greek will play for a third Masters 1000 title in Sunday’s championship match, where his opponent will be World No. 1 Novak Djokovic or fifth seed Casper Ruud.

Tsitsipas Rallies To Oust Zverev, Reaches Rome Final

May 14, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev wrote another gripping chapter in their 2022 clay-court rivalry at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday afternoon, with fourth-seeded Tsitsipas running out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 winner in the semi-finals in Rome.

In the third clay-court ATP Masters 1000 semi-final between the pair this season, Tsitsipas recovered from the disappointment of losing a hard-fought opening set to complete a stirring comeback win and reach the final in the Italian capital for the first time.

“He wasn’t giving me much, he made me work hard for every single point,” said Tsitsipas after the match. “I’m extremely proud of the way things turned around, and I was able to read the gameplay a little bit better and understand what was working at that time.”

The victory was Tsitsipas’ 31st of 2022, extending his lead over second-placed Carlos Alcaraz (28) on the leaderboard for most match wins for the season. His run to the semi-finals in Rome has moved the Greek up one place to No. 4 in the Pepperstone Live ATP Rankings, and Tsitsipas’ outstanding form on the clay has put him among the favourites for the French Open at Roland Garros in a week’s time.

The Greek was particularly strong on serve throughout against Zverev and stayed consistent from the baseline to halt his opponent’s early momentum in an engrossing two-hour, 29-minute win. Tsitsipas was delighted to have made it a maiden championship match in Rome, having suffered semi-final disappointment against Rafael Nadal in 2019.

“It’s one of those tournaments that I think has the most history in sport,” said Tsitsipas. “As you can see looking around the sides, one of the most beautiful stadiums. There’s a lot of history playing on these courts and you feel very proud that you made your way here and are able to participate in such a historically rich event.”

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Tsitsipas was a straight-sets winner over Zverev en route to the title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in April, but the German exacted revenge for that semi-final defeat with a three-set win in the final four at the Mutua Madrid Open a week ago. Tsitsipas and Zverev are the only players to reach the semi-finals at all three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on clay this season, meaning anticipation was high for a blockbuster clash at the Foro Italico.

A high-quality start saw no break points in the opening six games, with both players demonstrating the impressive serving that has powered their strong form on the clay this year. It was Zverev who made the first move, converting the only break point of the set for 4-3, and the German found enough first serves to resist a Tsitsipas fightback as he clinched an entertaining first set.

ATP WTA Live App

As in Madrid last week, Tsitsipas was able to recover from dropping the opening set to generate a momentum swing in the second. The Greek was aided by a lapse in Zverev’s level, however, with the second seed double faulting to hand Tsitsipas an early break for 2-0. Although Zverev deployed his first serve to good effect to fend off Tsitsipas’ efforts to break again, the Greek remained comfortable behind his own delivery to force a decider.

Although he competed well throughout, Zverev was never quite able to regain the consistency in his groundstrokes from the first set. Tsitsipas’ ballstriking remained solid rather than spectacular, but that proved enough to break the German twice more as the Greek ran out a comfortable winner in the deciding set.

The Conversion and Steal scores for the third set reflect how clinical Tsitsipas was in taking his opportunities at the tailend of the match. The Greek won 70 per cent of points from attacking positions in the deciding set, while also finding a way to win 48 per cent of points from defensive ones as he outscored his opponent in both departments.

Third Set Insights:
<img src="https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2022/05/14/17/00/tsitsipas-zverev-insights-rome-2022-saturday.jpg" alt="Stefanos Tsitsipas Vs. Alexander Zverev Insights”>

The win extends Tsitsipas’ ATP Head2Head series lead over Zverev to 8-4. The Greek will play for a third Masters 1000 title in Sunday’s championship match, where his opponent will be World No. 1 Novak Djokovic or fifth seed Casper Ruud.

'Like playing in the Colosseum' – Tsitsipas saves two match points before overcoming Dimitrov

May 11, 2022

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a scare to make it through to the last 16 of the Italian Open after an engrossing three-set win over Grigor Dimitrov.

Going into the match, Tsitsipas held the wood over Dimitrov having defeated the Bulgarian in the last month in both Barcelona and Madrid.

Those matches were more straightforward than this encounter at the Foro Italico though, with Dimitrov seeing two match points go astray at 5-4 up in the third.

Roland-Garros

Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

09/05/2022 AT 10:33

And as the pair went into their final-set tie-break, Tsitsipas once again came up with the goods when he needed to and booked his place in the last 16, where he will meet Karen Khachanov.

“It’s like playing in the Colosseum,” Tsitsipas said afterwards.

“There’s so much energy coming from the crowd. The people that came and watched the match were so into it, more than us I think.

“And it gave for a great atmosphere and a great gladiator environment on the court.”

Dimitrov has been resurgent this season with a run to the quarter-finals in Indian Wells and a semi-final appearance in Monte-Carlo.

But he had struggled to find a way to overcome Tsitsipas this term, and the Greek appeared keen to keep his spotless 2022 head-to-head record against Dimitrov intact early on, racing into a 3-0 lead that ultimately set the tone for the first set, Tsitsipas taking it 6-3.

Tsitsipas – having broken in the seventh game of the second set – then looked like he was going to sprint to a third consecutive straight-sets triumph over Dimitrov, but the Bulgarian broke back at 4-5 down before breaking again at 6-5 to level things up at one set all.

That set up a decider, and it was nip and tuck all the way as the pair ended up at a tie-break. Unfortunately for Dimitrov he went off the boil at just the wrong moment, losing the first five points.

He clawed it back to 6-4 but Tsitsipas got over the line, throwing his arms aloft after sealing victory in 2h37.

There was a shock over on Pietrangeli on Wednesday, as Marcos Giron beat 2020 finalist Diego Schwartzman 6-1 7-6 to progress.

Elsewhere Alex de Minaur beat Tommy Paul, Alexander Zverev saw off Sebastian Baez and Khachanov defeated 15th seed Pablo Carreno Busta.

ATP Madrid

Zverev expects ‘extremely tough’ Alcaraz final after beating Tsitsipas

08/05/2022 AT 07:53

ATP Madrid

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

07/05/2022 AT 08:47

Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

May 9, 2022

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

Tennis

Alcaraz thrilled with ‘unbelievable final’, will skip Rome ahead of French Open

15 HOURS AGO

Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

ATP Madrid

‘Best player in the world’ – Zverev hails Alcaraz after teen’s Madrid Open final win

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ATP Rome

Rome Open draw: Djokovic and Nadal could meet in semis, Alcaraz may face Zverev

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Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

May 9, 2022

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

ATP Rome

‘Really tough’ – Thiem needs time on road to recovery, as Nadal and Wawrinka can testify

3 HOURS AGO

Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

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Zverev expects 'extremely tough' Alcaraz final after beating Tsitsipas

May 8, 2022

Alexander Zverev says he expects an “extremely tough” match against Carlos Alcaraz after sealing an engrossing three-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the Madrid Open final.

Zverev, the defending champion, was once more in his element at the Caja Magica, losing just 16 points on his own serve to come through 6-4 3-6 6-2 and set up a much-anticipated final against the 19-year-old Alcaraz.

Alcaraz came through his semi-final with a momentous win over Novak Djokovic, having also downed Rafa Nadal in the quarters – the first time anyone had ever beaten those two totems of the sport on clay back-to-back.

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Zverev said: “I thought from yesterday [Friday] onwards I started to play really well.

“I’m just extremely happy to be in the final here. I know it’s going to be an extremely tough match but I hope I can manage to play my best and give myself a chance.”

Zverev – bar a late wobble on serve – had been just as impressive in his straight-sets quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, but seemed to try and play down any notion of him being the favourite for Sunday’s final, despite holding a 2-0 record in his head-to-head with Alcaraz.

“I have been playing well, so I’m just renting it [the Manolo Santana Stadium court],” the German joked.

“It’s going to be his [Alcaraz’s] court for the next 15 years probably. It has been Rafa’s court for the past 15 years and it’s going to be his court for the next 15 years.

I just hope I can give him some trouble and I hope I can manage to win tomorrow.

Zverev and Tsitsipas had gone blow-for-blow in the early stages of their last-four clash, but the German managed to land the only break of the first set in the seventh game, maintaining his lead thereafter to take the upper hand.

Tsitsipas had just two break point opportunities during the entire encounter, but he pounced on the first late in the second set to level matters up at one set all.

However Zverev stepped on the gas in the decider, surging into a 3-0 lead and never looking back.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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Alexander Zverev says he expects an “extremely tough” match against Carlos Alcaraz after sealing an engrossing three-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the Madrid Open final.

Zverev, the defending champion, was once more in his element at the Caja Magica, losing just 16 points on his own serve to come through 6-4 3-6 6-2 and set up a much-anticipated final against the 19-year-old Alcaraz.

Alcaraz came through his semi-final with a momentous win over Novak Djokovic, having also downed Rafa Nadal in the quarters – the first time anyone had ever beaten those two totems of the sport on clay back-to-back.

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Zverev said: “I thought from yesterday [Friday] onwards I started to play really well.

“I’m just extremely happy to be in the final here. I know it’s going to be an extremely tough match but I hope I can manage to play my best and give myself a chance.”

Zverev – bar a late wobble on serve – had been just as impressive in his straight-sets quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, but seemed to try and play down any notion of him being the favourite for Sunday’s final, despite holding a 2-0 record in his head-to-head with Alcaraz.

“I have been playing well, so I’m just renting it [the Manolo Santana Stadium court],” the German joked.

“It’s going to be his [Alcaraz’s] court for the next 15 years probably. It has been Rafa’s court for the past 15 years and it’s going to be his court for the next 15 years.

I just hope I can give him some trouble and I hope I can manage to win tomorrow.

Zverev and Tsitsipas had gone blow-for-blow in the early stages of their last-four clash, but the German managed to land the only break of the first set in the seventh game, maintaining his lead thereafter to take the upper hand.

Tsitsipas had just two break point opportunities during the entire encounter, but he pounced on the first late in the second set to level matters up at one set all.

However Zverev stepped on the gas in the decider, surging into a 3-0 lead and never looking back.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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Zverev, the defending champion, was once more in his element at the Caja Magica, losing just 16 points on his own serve to come through 6-4 3-6 6-2 and set up a much-anticipated final against the 19-year-old Alcaraz.

Alcaraz came through his semi-final with a momentous win over Novak Djokovic, having also downed Rafa Nadal in the quarters – the first time anyone had ever beaten those two totems of the sport on clay back-to-back.

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Zverev said: “I thought from yesterday [Friday] onwards I started to play really well.

“I’m just extremely happy to be in the final here. I know it’s going to be an extremely tough match but I hope I can manage to play my best and give myself a chance.”

Zverev – bar a late wobble on serve – had been just as impressive in his straight-sets quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, but seemed to try and play down any notion of him being the favourite for Sunday’s final, despite holding a 2-0 record in his head-to-head with Alcaraz.

“I have been playing well, so I’m just renting it [the Manolo Santana Stadium court],” the German joked.

“It’s going to be his [Alcaraz’s] court for the next 15 years probably. It has been Rafa’s court for the past 15 years and it’s going to be his court for the next 15 years.

I just hope I can give him some trouble and I hope I can manage to win tomorrow.

Zverev and Tsitsipas had gone blow-for-blow in the early stages of their last-four clash, but the German managed to land the only break of the first set in the seventh game, maintaining his lead thereafter to take the upper hand.

Tsitsipas had just two break point opportunities during the entire encounter, but he pounced on the first late in the second set to level matters up at one set all.

However Zverev stepped on the gas in the decider, surging into a 3-0 lead and never looking back.

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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