World No.5 Alexander Zverev has reached the biggest final of his career after knocking out six-time champion Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6(4), at the ATP Finals in London.
Zverev, who had defeated Federer twice before, produced a level of tennis that was an improvement of his previous matches at the season-ending championships. Hammering a series of serves that exceeded the 130 mph benchmark, the third seed hit 23 winners to 20 unforced errors. Dropping only five points behind his first serve.
“I’m unbelievably proud. I and my team have been working hard for this. It’s so great to have another opportunity to play another match here (in London).” Said Zverev.
The Saturday afternoon showdown was a clash of two worlds. 21-year-old Zverev was making his debut in the last four. Becoming the first German player to do since Rainer Schuettler back in 2003. In contrast, 37-year-old Federer was contesting his 15th semi-final in the history of the tournament with the goal of reaching his 11th final.
Despite the gap in experience between the two, there was little disparity between the two players in their latest encounter. Zverev’s electrifying serve, which averaged at 135 mph during the first set, was meet with some sublime defensive play from his Swiss rival. Paving way to what turned out to be one of the highest quality sets of tennis in this year’s tournament. 11 games went by with no breaks of serve before Federer stumbled at the worst possible moment. Serving down 5-6, a breathtaking Zverev forehand passing shot resulted in Federer trailing 0-30. Then back-to-back unforced errors from the Swiss player rewarded Zverev the first set.
Zverev, who was the youngest semifinalist in the tournament since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009, continued to thwart the threat his opponent posed. Three games into the second set it looked as if Federer would turn the match around when he broke for the first time. However, a resilient Zverev continued to pound the baseline with some blistering shots to break back immediately in the next game to draw level, before moving ahead 3-2 with the help of a love service game.
Controversy Marrs victory
As both players continued to lock horns until the finish line, it was literally one point that decided the outcome of the match. During a tense tiebreaker, Zverev came under fire from the crowd after stopping during one of the rallies. Pointing out that one of the ball kids had dropped a ball, resulting in the umpire calling for a reply. Nevertheless, Zverev remained calm as Federer hit a seemingly easy shot into the net. Handing the German the lead for 6-4 and two match points. After failing to convert his first, he triumphed on his second with the help of a drive volley.
“I want to apologize for the situation in the tiebreak. The ball boy dropped the ball and it’s in the rules that we had to replay the point.” Said Zverev, who was bombarded by a mixture of cheers and boos by the crowd during his on-court interview.
“I’ve apologized to Roger at the net and he told me that it was ok. I also want to apologize to the fans, obviously, there are a lot of Roger fans, as he deserves.”
In Sunday’s final Zverev will play either world No.1 Novak Djokovic or Kevin Anderson. He is the first player from his country to reach the tournament final since Boris Becker in 1996.
“I played Novak two days ago where it didn’t go too well for me. I don’t hope he lose, but it’s a slight difference in opponents.” He said when comparing the two.
“It’s the final and I’m happy to be there.” He added.
In the head-to-head, Zverev trails Djokovic 1-2 but leads Anderson 4-0.
SEE ALSO: Roger Federer Speaks Out On Controversial Ball Boy Incident After ATP Finals Exit
