Alexander Zverev has reached the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai. In China, Germany’s number one defeated Kyle Edmund 6:4 and 6:4.
The quarter-final Friday in Shanghai could not have been better for Alexander Zverev. The 21-year-old started the game with a break and immediately took the serve from his unpredictable and strong opponent Kyle Edmund from Great Britain.
Zverev was wide awake from the first point on and the service of the native Hamburger ran round and gave again and again free points. Also the baseline duels were determined by Zverev, although the fast conditions also lie to his opponent.
Zverev did not let the break lead be taken away in the first run, appeared self-confident and served without problems to win the set 6:4.
In the second run Zverev did not let up, broke the rhythm of his opponent with a clever game and raised his level by a few additional percent.
The second break of the game was not long in coming: With great returns and a world class online winner with the backhand, Zverev took the lead 3:2. Sascha” also had his nerves under control with the approaching semi-final and continued to serve strongly and confidently.
After 1:12 hours playing time, Zverev finally turned his first match point into a match win and was celebrated as the deserved winner in China’s biggest city.
The win against Edmund also means that Zverev is qualified for the Nittp ATP finals in London. At the tournament of the best eight players of the season, the German celebrated his premiere last year, but had to say goodbye after the group stage.
Three titles in the current calendar year helped Zverev to participate early: In Washington, D.C. the number five of the world defended his title and won his third Masters tournament in Madrid. In Munich “Sascha” also celebrated a title defence.
The fifth in the world rankings is the fifth player to secure a ticket to London. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martín del Potro have also scored the necessary points.