Zverev sets up Cologne showdown with Auger-Aliassime

Alexander Zverev progressed to his second final since the tennis resumed with a 7-5, 7-6(3) victory over young Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Cologne.

“He played much better tennis and I think he’s somebody who is going to go up the [FedEx ATP] Rankings very quickly,” Zverev said of his opponent. 

“For me he’s a great guy as well. He’s very talented, extremely good with the hands.

“I think he’s somebody who’s going to find his way up and it’s going to be interesting to see what the future weeks [hold for him] this year and next year as well.” 

The German will meet Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Roberto Bautista Agut a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

“It’s a good win. It’s positive for my confidence to be able to beat Roberto, since he beat me last year in a tough match”, Auger Aliassime said.

In Sardinia Marco Cecchinato routed Danilo Petrovic 6-1, 6-0 and will face Laslo Djere in the final after Lorenzo Musetti retired in the third set with a right elbow injury. Djere was leading 2-6, 6-2, 4-1.