Fifth seed Alexander Zverev battled back from two games away from defeat to oust Matteo Berrettini in a marathon clash to win the Madrid Open.
The US Open finalist was pushed to his limits both mentally and physically en route to a 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3, win over the world No.10 after more than two-and-a-half hours of play. Making it the first time in his career he has won a title on the ATP Tour after dropping the opening set. He now leads Berrettini 3-1 in their head-to-head. In their latest encounter the German hit five aces and 16 winners en route to his 15th ATP trophy and fourth in a Masters event.
“It (feels) great, especially after losing in the final of the last three Masters events (I played). This is definitely special and I just want to enjoy this one,” Zverev said during his on-court interview.
“I think his (Berrettini’s) game style showed it all. I hadn’t played anybody this week who can serve 235(KM/H) kick-serve on the clay. It definitely was a different match. I am extremely happy right now.” He added.
The opening set was a roller-coaster 70-minute tussle between the two players with constant changes of momentum occurring throughout. Berrettini, who was playing in his first Masters 1000 final at the age of 25, withstood a 10-minute opening serving game before going on to draw first blood. Tied at 3-3, the Italian capitalised on some lacklustre hitting from Zverev to break for a 4-3 lead. However, his advantage was short lived with the world No.6 breaking back immediately in the following game. The lack of disparity between the two resulted in an opening tiebreak which was just as dramatic.
Berrettini’s plan of using his heavy slice to draw errors from Zverev did wonders for him early on in the tiebreaker as he unexpectedly raced to a 5-0 lead. However, there would be another twist to the match. Some costly mistakes brought his opponent back into contention as his lead rapidly disappeared. Two set points came and went as a result of Berrettini’s unforced errors which was partly triggered by Zverev’s fierce defensive play. The 2018 Madrid champion then had a set point of his own at 8-7 but failed to capitalise. Eventually, it would be a Zverev double fault at 8-8 that proved decisive. Enabling Berrettini to seal the 7-6 lead on the following point with the help of a serve out wide.
Historically winning the opener has proven critical to the outcome of a match in the final of a Masters 1000 tournament on the clay. In fact, the past 17 Masters finals on the surface have gone the way of the player who clinched the first set.
However, Zverev continued his perseverance and pounced at the best possible time during the second frame. As Berrettini nudged to two games from victory, he fell victim to his own nerves. At 4-4 a series of loose shots guided Zverev to break for a chance to serve out the set and forced proceedings into a decider. A task he passed with flying colours with the help of a nifty pick-up near the net which forced an error from across the court on set point.
With a Masters title at stake, Zverev continued his comeback with the help of some more fierce defensive play. Locked at 2-2 in the decider, two more costly Berrettini unforced errors enabled him to break and lead the match once again. Prompting an almighty roar from Zverev. In pole position he rallied towards the finish line against his rapidly tiring opponent. On his second match point Zverev prevailed after a Berrettini backhand drifted wide.
“I want to congratulate Matteo on an amazing week. I think you deserve this title just as much as I did,” the new champion said to his rival.
“I know this moment is not the greatest. I’ve been there. Trust me, I felt one hundred times worse after the US Open final.’
“When you win a title like this it will feel even better and special. I’m sure you will. Next week is Rome and if you’re playing like you’re playing here (in Madrid), I’ll be cheering for you as well.”
It is only the second time in his career that the 24-year-old has managed to defeat three top 10 players within a tournament. He also beat Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem earlier in the week.
There will be little time for celebration with the main draw of the Italian Open already underway. Zverev has a bye in the first round.
“It is difficult but Rome is also an event which I like and enjoy. I hope I can perform the same way as I did here (in Madrid). We will see how it goes,” he concluded.
