Categories: ATPHalleTop Story

Zverev battles closing nerves to advance into semis

Alexander Zverev double-faulted on a first match point but sent down a winner on his third chance to advance to another semi-final at the ATP Halle event on Friday.

The 22nd-ranked German remains the last home hope on the pre-Wimbledon grass after defeating Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-3 in two hours in their quarter-final.

Zverev has twice finished runner-up here and is aiming to go one victory further after not losing a set so far this week.

“I’m unbelievably happy,” the winner said. “I’m glad to be in the semi-finals, there are no easy opponents left.

“I’m also happy to be on the grass again.”

Zverev said that nerves were involved as he won a 16-plus-minute penultimate service game, saving three break points.

He added that serving it out was also a challenge.

“It’s human to get nervous, to not play at the same level for two hours.- it just happens.

“You just deal as best you can and that’s what I did today.”

Zverev was out-hit by his Chilean opponent 25 winners to 19 but came up with a dozen aces in victory.

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Tenth time lucky as Li knocks out Sabalenka

American outsider Ann Li produced the upset of her life on Wednesday, taking 10 match points…

2 days ago

Zverev to take over as world No. 1

Alexander Zverev will claim world year-end No. 1 honours for the first time on the…

3 days ago

Grumpy Mac lashes out at player sked complaints

John McEnroe has used a trip to Spain to come down hard on modern player…

6 days ago

Alcaraz back for another 1-Point Slam appearance

Carlos Alcaraz will headline the field as the Australian Open stages its 1-Point Slam for…

1 week ago

Djoko to skip Shanghai after Beijing title miracle

Novak Djokovic is wisely choosing not to tempt fate, with the China Open winner withdrawing…

1 week ago

Djokovic backs into 7th Beijing title as injured de Minaur quits

Novak Djokovic retained his magic touch at the China Open, winning his seventh title without…

1 week ago