Zverev upends Djokovic to reach final at ATP Finals

Sports Desk, Nov 20 (EFE).- Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday and will face defending ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev in the final.

It was the German’s second victory of the year over Djokovic, who fell to the world No. 3 in the semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics after besting him in the Australian Open and the US Open.

Zverev’s previous title win in the event came in 2018 against Djokovic.

The last time the two men met, in the US Open semis, Djokovic needed more than 3 1/2 hours to prevail in five sets. Saturday’s match at the Pala Alpitour in Turin lasted two hours and 28 minutes.

“Every time we play it takes hours,” Zverev, 24, said on court afterward. “I have not spent more time on court with anybody other than him this year. I am happy with the win and happy to be in the final here and to give myself the best chance for tomorrow.”

A key turning point came when Zverev, trailing 4-5, saved set point with a tremendous first serve. Though Djokovic survived two break points to force a tie-break, it was the German who came out on top to win the set.

The Serbian took the second set, but Zverev regained the initiative in the third to grab the berth in the final against Medvedev, who cruised 6-4, 6-2 against Norway’s Casper Ruud in the other semifinal. EFE

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