Alexander Zverev: 'Beating Rafael Nadal is never an easy thing to do, I feel good'

Facing Rafael Nadal for the second time on an indoor surface, Alexander Zverev defeated world no. 2 at the Paris Masters in straight sets, advancing to his seventh Masters 1000 final. In the absence of Novak Djokovic, Nadal was the top seed, battling past three rivals to reach the semis and staying on the course towards one of the most notable titles he has failed to win so far. Still, Zverev proved to be too strong last Saturday, scoring a 6-4, 7-5 victory to march into the title match. The German won back-to-back titles at home in Cologne before Paris, gathering momentum and shifting it towards Paris. The return was a massive problem for Rafa last week, and Alexander grabbed full advantage of that, hitting a service winner in 30% of the points behind the initial shot and getting broken only once. It wasn't enough for the Spaniard to stay safe, giving serve away thrice to propel the youngster over the top.

The German fired 37 winners and 18 unforced errors, delivering 20 direct points more than the Spaniard and staying focused in the second set's closing stages to seal the deal. With nothing working his way on the return in the first set, Nadal moved way back in the second to earn some chances, pulling the break back but suffering another at 5-5 to push Zverev over the top. Alexander forged the advantage with a break in the opener's game three, confirming it with a service winner for 3-1 after 14 minutes. Nadal landed a backhand down the line winner at 2-4 to stay in touch before Zverev claimed the set with a drop shot winner at 5-4.

Alexander Zverev defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in Paris.

Rafa got broken at 1-1 in set number two following a weak volley and wasted two break opportunities at 2-3 after the German's two winners. Serving at 2-4, Nadal fended off four break points to stay within one break deficit, increasing his chances after the first break in game eight. Rafa held at love for the first time to forge the advantage, sending the pressure to the other side of the court but achieving nothing while returning at 5-4. Alexander landed an ace to grab that game and earned a break chance in the next one after a lucky net cord winner. Nadal gave serve away when his backhand landed wide before Zverev held at 15 to move over the top and advance into the third straight ATP final.

"I had a lot of chances in set number two, particularly at 4-2. I failed to convert those, and those moments can turn the match around, especially against players like Rafa. I picked up my level at 4-5, and it all went well. I feel good, reaching the Masters 1000 final and beating Rafa; that is never easy to do, and all the players would agree with me. I have been playing well for quite a while, since the season restart, I would say. I'm just happy right to be on the court. Everything is good for me, and I'm satisfied with my tennis; I hope it will remain that way. As long as you still have a smile at the end of the day, I think that's the most important in life," Alexander Zverev said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3lhZTya