ATP Finals – Matteo Berrettini drama: the domestic champion has to surrender to Alexander Zverev

First, Alexander Zverev challenged the madhouse in Turin, and then had to offer condolences. The Olympic tennis champion won his inaugural ATP Finals match against local champion Matteo Berrettini, but benefited from the Italian’s injury. Zverev led 7:6 (9:7), 1:0 before the finalist succumbed to Wimbledon – he calmed emotional Berrettini with a warm hug and drew a sad smile at the camera.

After Berrettini left the court, Zverev said: “I don’t know what to say. He’s playing at home, and that’s the worst feeling you can have. The first set was tennis at an incredibly high level. But it doesn’t matter. In the end, two players who enjoy shaking hands should shake hands. in a good health “.

Zverev, who won the top eight of the season in 2018, topped the red group with defending champion Daniil Medvedev. The US Open champion from Russia, the next contender for the first champion in Germany, beat the Polish outside player Hubert Hurkacz 6:7 (5:7), 6:3, 6:4. The best players in two groups of the preliminary round qualify for the round semi final.

Zverev heard from the first gathering that he not only had to face Berrettini. While the 7,000 or so spectators at the Pala Alpitour honored his point with courteous applause, the lone Italian on the field was a thunderous jubilation of Davis Cup style duels at the better end.

Zverev leaves breaks untapped

However, Zverev did not manage to directly hinder the mood. In the duel between two very strong servants, Hamburger had four break opportunities in the first set – but left them all unused. Missed opportunities were recognized by loudly listening “Mathew, Mathieu”.

Zverev had already expected the hot weather, but this was not important for the first German. “I always admire him when he is loud and lively on the field. Even when people are against me,” Zverev said before the match.

At first, Zverev had obvious advantages against the often overheated Berrettini at long rallies. But the Italian was better and better in the match with a powerful forehand. With two set pieces blocked, the German saved himself in the tiebreak and used his opponent’s small weaknesses there.

Shortly thereafter, the Brittney disaster took its course. His face was writhing in pain, he dropped his racket and called a physiotherapist. He treated his lateral abdominal muscles, but then had to succumb to the cheering applause of his countrymen.

(SID)