Erste Bank Open: Alexander Zverev after a strong performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the final
Alexander Zverev is in the final of the Erste Bank Open 2021 after an extremely strong performance. Born in Hamburg, the youngster Carlos Alcaraz didn't stand a chance in the first semi-final of the day.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 30, 2021, 03:28 pm
Already early in this match, Alexander Zverev impressively demonstrated his serve strength, was able to dictate the rallies from the start with powerful services and allowed absolutely nothing in his service games. Unlike Carlos Alcaraz, who was under pressure from the start in his first ATP 500 semi-final and finally suffered the first break in his third service game of the match.
While Alexander Zverev continued to literally walk through his service games, Alcaraz did not really find his way into his game. Long rallies like the ones the youngster likes were initially in short supply. So it came as it had to come. After just half an hour, Zverev closed the first set after another break 6: 3.
Zverev untouchable with its own serve
The key in Zverev's service games did not change in the second set either. The world number four remained highly concentrated and allowed practically nothing. At the Alcaraz 'service games, on the other hand, the 24-year-old was able to set accents again and again. At first, the German could not capitalize on it, his Spanish opponent was able to hold his first two service games.
As in the first set, it was finally the Spaniard's third service game that was to be his undoing. The 18-year-old allowed himself a short period of weakness, Zverev knew how to use this ice cold. The preliminary decision in this game. The German remained flawless on his own serve, thwarted the only break chance of the game and after a little more than an hour fixed the harmless 6: 3 and 6: 3 success. With an ace.
Zverev with schnitzel as preparation for the final
"It was the best match I played this week. Carlos is in the shape of his life, is still very young. I'm very happy to be here in the final and I'm looking forward to tomorrow," said Zverev. Before the final there would be a "Schnitzel" for Zverev tonight, he said. As a side dish, french fries. "The schnitzel has to be done today", the world number four is convinced.
The second semifinals in Vienna are contested by Jannik Sinner and surprise man Frances Tiafoe ( Click here for the match tracker for the game! )
wienmap