LONDON: As the youngest player to compete in the ATP Finals since 2008, Alexander Zverev proved that experience is not everything as he outlasted Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, in his opening match.
Making his debut at the season-ending tournament at the age of 20, Zverev was pushed to his limits both mentally and physically in the roller coaster encounter. illustrated best by a winner-error ratio of 31-41. The encounter saw him hit nine aces and convert three out of his four break point opportunities to extend his winning streak against Cilic to four matches.
“For the most part of the second and third set he was the better player,” Zverev told Sky Sports in a courtside interview. “I was just happy to come back and win. If you have the opportunity to play here you have to take it. We both played well today, but I’m happy to get the win.”
The German player rapidly settled into the match without expressing any reservations. Compared to his rival, who was bouncing the ball repeatedly and was tentative in his shot-making. Allowing Zverev to break at the start of the match with a backhand volley at the net. The sole break was enough to seal the opening set.
Cilic’s brief comeback emerged at the start of the second set. A lull in the German’s form saw him only managed to get 45% of first serves in, enabling the former US Open champion to revive his match hopes. A sluggish Zverev service game resulted in Cilic cruising to a 3-0 lead in the second set, before eventually taking the match into a decider with an ace on set point.
Splitting the match at one set apiece, the scene was set for a thrilling showdown. Both players displayed some of their best tennis with admirable fighting spirit. Cilic was the first to break in the decider for 2-1, before being pegged back by Zverev a couple games later. A carefully crafted lob shot from the world No.3 proved too much for his 1.98M opponent. Resulting in a mighty roar and fist clench from the German.
Continuing to weather the storm, Zverev wore down his rival. Emulating their clash earlier this year in Madrid. As Cilic served to stay in the match, the 20-year-old upped the aggression to storm to a 40-0 lead. Victory was then sealed on his first match point opportunity with the help of a smash at the net.
“The last game I didn’t serve as good.” Reflected Cilic. “Didn’t get couple points on my serve there.”
“His (Zverev) game is pretty straightforward: hitting big from the back, serving good. Pretty simple game.”
The win is Zverev’s 55th of the season. He is bidding to become only the third German player to win the ATP Finals.
