MADRID: Second seed Alexander Zverev extended his winning run on the tour to seven consecutive matches following his win over John Isner at the Madrid Open.
The world No.3 rallied to a 6-4, 6-4, triumph over his American rival in a late-night match at the Caja Magica. Dropping only six points behind his serve throughout the entire match. Zverev secured the win by breaking only once in each set and firing five aces past his rival.
Zverev’s victory is a sense of sweet revenge for the German. Earlier this year he was denied the Miami Open title after falling to Isner in three sets. This time round on a completely different surface, he seized upon his opportunity.
“The surface is a big change. His serve was more difficult to return there (Miami), I did very well here (in Madrid). He’s still tried to play very aggressive. He still tries to play the same way. I just feel that it was a better match for me.” Zverev commented when comparing the two matches.
Set to play in the semifinal of a Masters 1000 event for the fifth time in his career, the 21-year-old is upbeat about his current form on the tour. Since 2016, Zverev has reached 11 ATP finals and have won trophies in seven of them.
“Playing John at altitude on this court. He’s playing very well, so I would say yes.” He replied when asked if it was the best match he has played yet in Madrid.
“I feel like I have been playing well all week. For me, it was a great match. I am already looking forward to the semifinals.”
In Saturday’s semifinals, he will take on Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian got the better of Kyle Edmund 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-4, in a battle of the rising stars. It will be the second time the two have locked horns on the tour. The first occurred last year in Montreal, where Zverev prevailed in two tight sets.
“He’s been playing great tennis this week so far.” He said of Shapovalov. “It’s not going to be an easy match, but there are no easy matches in the semis of a Masters. I’m just looking forward to that.”
“Hopefully it will be another entertaining match up.”
Zverev will play his semi-final match not before 21:00 local time (GMT+1) on Saturday.
