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The backhand was one of Alexander Zverev's trump cards against Dominic Thiem
Photo:
SERGIO PEREZ / REUTERS
The German tennis professional Alexander Zverev is in the final of the Masters in Madrid.
With the 6: 3, 6: 3 against the Austrian Dominic Thiem, Zverev moves into a Masters final for the eighth time, the highest 1000 category on the ATP tour.
Zverev won his last Masters in 2018 in Madrid, in the final against Thiem.
On Friday, Zverev surprisingly won in the quarterfinals against Rafael Nadal, who is considered the best clay court player in history.
In the final on Sunday (5.30 p.m., TV: Sky), the world number six will face either the Norwegian Casper Ruud or the Italian Matteo Berrettini.
The first games in strong winds in the Spanish capital were characterized by spectacular rallies and an outstanding Zverev.
Because his backhand cross also came, Zverev got the break in the fourth game.
Zverev saved the lead over the first set, although he repeatedly failed with tight challenges and sometimes worked loudly on the Hawkeye.
Zverev's outstanding serve
The slightly stronger Thiem, fourth in the world rankings and number three in Madrid, could not counter the impact of the German, although he repeatedly scored spectacular points with his backhand longline.
In the meantime, the average impact speed in the first sentence at Zverev was 218 km / h, according to the TV station Sky, at Thiem only 180 km / h.
Zverev made the first double mistake in the second set when the score was 2: 1, after having already had another break.
Although Thiem then put his long-time friend under pressure, Zverev defended himself successfully: albeit with a happy net scooter.
Shortly afterwards, Zverev made 3: 1 and then even 4: 1, a preliminary decision, although Thiem came up again with a re-break.
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Discussions with the chair referee: Despite his strong performance, Zverev was not always satisfied
Photo: Rodrigo Jimenez / EPA
When the score was 4: 2, Zverev was already leading 30: 0, but gambled away the lead.
Again Zverev quarreled with the Hawkeye, this time he even asked the chair referee to look at the print in person.
However, an electronic system is used on the center court in Madrid which the chair arbitrator was unable to contest.
Over a multiple debut and more than ten minutes of playing time, Thiem shortened to 4: 3.
What should actually be a mental advantage for the Austrian was immediately smashed by Zverev's outstanding service.
With a stop and a following forehand winner, Zverev transformed his second match point.
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