MADRID: Pablo Cuevas has landed a place in his first ever Masters 1000 semifinal after coming from behind to knock out Germany’s Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-0, 6-4.
Falling behind early in the match against the Next Generation star, the world No.27 managed to stage the comeback with a moment of inspiration. Leading the second set by 1-0, a breathtaking blind shot sailed past Zverev to send the crowd into hysteria.
“It was just a last-minute thing that I hit. I thought it would work.” Said Cuevas. “ I thought I hit the ball pretty well. When I saw that I placed it in a good place in the court, I was happy about that.”
That moment of brilliance contributed towards a second set whitewash. An array of backhand and forehand shots painted the lines of the court to place Zverev into a sense of disbelief. After those two roller coaster sets, a sharp contrast occurred in the decider. An elevation in Zverev’s form was matched by Cuevas’ aggressive stance on the court. Eventually, the 20-year-old German succumbed to the pressure. A game away from the win, Cuevas continued to pounce before an error from his rival sealed him a place in Saturday’s semifinals.
“I’m very happy to be able to make it to my first semifinals in an event like this one. I have been doing things pretty well during this season.”
Cuevas’ run to his maiden Masters semifinal occurs during what has been a promising start to the year. At the Sao Polo Open he became the first player in tournament history to win the title three consecutive times. Then at the Monte Carlo Masters he defeated Stan Wawrinka, his biggest win to date (based on ranking).
Zverev regrets missed opportunity
As Uruguayan fans celebrate, the pain of the loss was clear on Zverev’s face after the match. The German was on an eight-match winning streak and was on the crisp of becoming the first Nextgen player to reach the last four at a tournament at this level. Ultimately, it was a match too far for the 20-year-old.
“I was playing the eighth match in ten days so it was obviously tough today physically. You start to feel tired, but it’s great I won in Munich. Playing here in the quarters is something good, but obviously I wanted to win today. I could have won today, but I couldn’t do it.” A disappointed Zverev explained.
Mission accomplished
Cuevas’ milestone achievement at the Caja Magica is one the 31-year-old has been plotting throughout his career. Twice this year he reached the last eight at a Masters level event.
“It’s not the first year that I’ve been planning this. The last two seasons, I have already been planning to make it through in the Masters 1000.” He said.
Cuevas continues to follow in the footsteps of players playing into their thirties. This week there are 40 players ranked in the top-100 that are over the age of 30. It is a sharp contrast to that of 10 or 15 years ago. According to the Uruguayan player, it is down to the change in ‘physical preparation.’
Relishing in the spotlight, he will play either Borna Coric or Dominic Thiem in the last four.
“I don’t prefer one or the other. Either of them is going to be a very tough match. I have to be ready for that. I have to play my tennis.” He admitted.
