Canada Flashback: Alexander Zverev beats Shapovalov to set Roger Federer clash

World no. 8 Alexander Zverev continued his impressive run in 2017, improving his score to 45-13 after a 6-4, 7-5 victory over super talented Denis Shapovalov in an hour and 43 minutes in the Montreal semi-final. Alexander advanced to his sixth ATP final of the season, setting eyes on back-to-back titles after conquering Washington in the previous week. Zverev became the third-best player on the ATP Race behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with those points. Also, the German became only the eighth U20 player with two Masters 1000 finals within a season (the first in ten years), seeking the second consecutive title after Rome. In the youngest Masters 1000 semi-final since 2005, an 18-year-old Shapovalov gave his best in front of the home crowd but made too many errors, especially from his forehand. Zverev had the upper hand in the decisive points, fending off six out of seven break chances (14 out of 15 in the last two matches) and stealing Denis' serve thrice for another notable victory.

Alexander Zverev reached the Canada Open final in 2017 over Denis Shapovalov.

The German had 12 winners and 27 unforced errors, while the Canadian added 17 winners and 43 mistakes to his tally, not enough to take at least a set. Alexander was 48-38 up in the shortest range up to four strokes, and he prevailed in the most extended rallies, too, to seal the deal in straight sets and arrange the title clash versus Roger Federer. It was a good start for both youngsters, with seven comfortable holds in the first eight games, with Shapovalov surviving game five to remain in touch. Alexander grabbed a break at 4-4 following his rival's double fault and held with ease in the next one to bring the opener home. At the beginning of the second set, the Canadian hit another double fault and pulled the break back in the next one to level the score at 1-1.

Zverev played against three break chances in the eighth game, firing four service winners in the following five points to get out of jail and level the score at 4-4. Denis sealed his fate with back-to-back double faults in the 11th game, suffering another break and allowing Zverev to serve for the win. That game proved to be the longest of the entire encounter, with three break chances for Shapovalov and three match points for Zverev. Denis missed an open forehand on his second break point and never got another opportunity, as Zverev fended off the last break chance with a service winner. The German finally sealed the deal when Denis missed a backhand, celebrating another notable final under his belt. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3fT5vhM