Tsitsipas dominates Zverev to become the first Greek player to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in London
Wednesday 13 November 2019 22:00, UK
Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of defending ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev yet again as the Greek star rubber-stamped his spot in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
In the third meeting of 2019 between the two youngest competitors at the tournament, it was Tsitsipas who added London to his list of triumphs over Zverev, which also included Madrid and Beijing.
Tsitsipas, who claimed the Next Gen ATP Finals 12 months ago, has made massive strides on the main Tour this season, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
He followed up his victory against Daniil Medvedev with a 6-3 6-2 success over last year's winner here to make it through to the knockout stages on his debut campaign.
Tsitsipas was made to work his socks off for a hold in the fifth game which lasted just under 10 minutes, while Zverev carried on where he had left off from his opening round-robin victory over Nadal, serving big.
That was until the eighth game when he panicked and attempted to serve and volley his way out of trouble with Tsitsipas jumping all over the half chance. He made the most of his advantage by winning 11 of the last 13 points to win the set in style.
The German had beaten Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in his last three matches at London's O2 Arena, but Tsitsipas, who had Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou in his box this week, was proving an altogether different proposition.
Tsitsipas had all the momentum as he broke at the start of the second set and he put the match to bed with another break for a 4-1 lead. It was a tactically astute display from the 21-year-old, who soon completed the win in 73 minutes.
The Greek is yet to lose serve this week, facing just one break point.
Tsitsipas net points after two matches in London: 38 out of 43
I can say I'm surprised by my performance today. I did everything right and once again it was not just me but a whole bunch of excited people came to support me. It was a crew situation. I'm just playing my game. I have a clear picture, a clear mindset on court. I've been mixing my game a lot, trying to be unpredictable. I think my serve has improved tremendously over the last couple of months. Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, all these celebrities have been here so I'm really glad to have been here. It makes it a very special place.
Rafael Nadal faces Tsitsipas on Friday as he bids to reach the semi-finals, while Medvedev takes on Zverev. Nadal, Medvedev and Zverev can all still qualify for the knockout stages.
Tsitsipas is a great player with a lot of energy and he's having an amazing season. It will be a tough one but I know I need to win that one.
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