German Tennis player, Alexander Zverev has lifted silverware for the second time in 2023 as he beat Roman Safiullin in three sets in the final of the Chengdu Open.
The 27 year-old previously beat Grigor Dimitrov in the semis to reach the Chengdu Open final on the 25th of September, 2023.
This is the second title Zverev has clinched after securing victory in Hamburg earlier in the year.
His recent glories has seen the German player move up to the seventh position in the race to Turin standings.
The victory increases Zverev’s possibility of making it to the season-ending Nitto Association of Tennis Players (ATP) Finals in Turin.
Zverev trailed by a set and a break but recovered to claim a 6-7(2) 7-6(5) 6-3 victory against Russian player, Safiullin.
Although Zverev was the pre-match favorite, Safiullin performed exceptionally well in winning the first set on a tie-break. Roman got off to a fast start in the second set as well, breaking Zverev’s serve to take a 2-0 lead. Zverev, however, quickly broke back and forced another tiebreak, in which he prevailed with a 7-5.
At 3-1 in the final set, Zverev earned the crucial break with momentum on his side. The match was then methodically served out by him to complete an incredible comeback victory.
In the end, Zverev secured three championship points, despite needing one after Safiullin hit the ball into the net.
The ATP’s number 10 has shown incredible tenacity throughout the competition, fighting back from a set down against several of his rivals to win in the end.
The top seed emerged victorious from a long and grueling battle with the World No. 55 to claim his 21st title on the ATP Tour.
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Story by: Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
