ATP: Showdown in Acapulco: Zverev challenges “DelPo” to a duel

Alexander Zverev fights for the final in Mexico. Germany’s number one team will face Argentina’s Juan Martín del Potro in the semi-finals at the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco.

This duel promises high tension and absolute world class tennis. On the one hand there is a “Sascha” Zverev with a lot of self-confidence, on the other hand “DelPo” fights in top form for the final in Acapulco.

For Zverev, the tournament on Mexican soil has been running smoothly so far. The quarter-finals match against US player Ryan Harrison underscores the title ambitions of the Fifth World Ranking. After just over an hour, Zverev turned the match point into a 6-4 and 6-1 win. The 20-year-old’s appearance at Abierto Mexicano Telcel sends positive signals to all fans of the German number one. Zverev is focused and counteracts his seventh title win.

Juan Martín del Potro wants to prevent that. The “Tower of Tandil” also played well and destroyed Dominic Thiem’s hopes in the quarter-finals. The Argentinean prevailed against the Lower Austrian in two sets and wants to defeat the Zverev brothers K. o. with a victory over “Sascha”. moor. In the first round, Del Potro took Mischa Zverev out and is now confronted with his younger brother.

Two physically strong and distinctive “hard hitter” meet each other. Zverev and del Potro develop a lot of speed from the baseline and keep the balls rather flat. Above all, the forehand of the Argentinean is a weapon that can do a lot of damage and always provides free and fast points. Zverev, on the other hand, tends to backhand. The parade of the German can hardly make mistakes and can generate dangerous strokes from the most difficult situations. Of course, the forehand of number five in the world should not be underestimated.

However, the key to success will be served. Both players are regarded as specialists in terms of service and can hit hard because of their height. Zverev will try to work on his opponent’s backhand. Del Potro often acts with the slice and can only build up little pressure – Zverev has to take advantage of this opportunity to be successful against the nervous Argentinean.

So far, the two top 10 players have only met once, with the better end for the experienced player. In Shanghai last year, Zverev and “DelPo” honoured themselves with three sets and played a fantastic match. In the end, the elder prevailed with 3:6,7:6 (4) and 6:4. Time for revenge…

The men’s single panel in Acapulco