Only with a fight in the semifinals: Zverev “completely loses concentration”

Friday October 16, 2020

The hunt for the twelfth tour title continues: Alexander Zverev struggles to reach the semi-finals at the new tennis tournament in Cologne. Despite problems, the world number seven prevails against the South African qualifier Lloyd Harris, who was beaten in the end, and plays for the finals on Saturday.

Alexander Zverev had a hard fight, his opponent was beaten: The 6: 4, 3: 6, 6: 0 against the South African qualifier Lloyd Harris to reach the semifinals of the ATP tournament in Cologne left Germany’s top players with mixed feelings. “I started okay and then completely lost concentration in the second set. If you start like this, then you can’t go on like this.”

What counts, however, is the victory, which gives Zverev the chance of his twelfth title on the professional tour. On Saturday he will play against Dennis Novak (Austria) or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Spain) for a place in the final – after the titles in Munich (2017 and 2018), the next home win is getting closer.

After his sovereign eighth-final win against the experienced Spaniard Fernando Verdasco (6: 4, 6: 1) on Thursday, Zverev continued against Harris where he left off. The US Open finalist dominated the first set and impressed with quick footwork and precise service play. Zverev obviously had fun and always had a smile on his face.

“He’s doing everything right 99 percent”

Still, the game tipped over. Zverev wobbled on his serves, and Harris, in turn, became more and more confident. “Yesterday was better,” said Zverev. The frustration of having to go into extra time against the injured outsider was evident in the match. Zverev grumbled and smacked the bat on the gray floor of the Lanxess Arena.

For Tommy Haas, the emotional outbursts are no problem. “You must never forget what Alexander has already achieved at a young age,” said the former number two in the world before the match at WDR: “He’s doing 99 percent of everything right. We can be happy that we have such a top player . “

In the third set, Zverev showed his qualities again. However, against a weakened Harris who, like in the second round match against the American Steve Johnson, had to fight with thigh problems. After a long break in treatment, Harris returned to the court, but could no longer defend himself against a fit Zverev.

The victories against Verdasco and Harris are already giving Zverev new momentum for the season’s final spurt, which will culminate at the ATP finals in London (September 15-22). Then his Spanish coach David Ferrer will also return to the team. In Cologne, Zverev enjoys being with his family. Zverev lives in the Cologne tennis bubble with his brother Mischa and his parents. At the second tournament of the ATP double pack in Cologne, he will be back in first place from Monday.