Out for Alexander Zverev: Strange comeback without a happy ending
What a crazy match in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo between Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek looked like he would be the sure winner again, but Zverev came back after a 0:5 in the second set and match points, only to lose in the tiebreak. In the end, the score was 7:5 and 7:6 (3) for the winner.
by Daniel Müksch
last edit: Apr 11, 2024, 03:56 pm
In the first set, the match between the not exactly best friends was evenly matched for a long time. Tsitsipas seemed to be the more agile player , but was unable to capitalize on his break chances right at the beginning. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Alexander Zverev had break opportunities. But he was also unable to capitalize on his opportunities. The match continued in this style. Tsitsipas, as the more aggressive player, dominated the proceedings with his winners - but also with his mistakes. Ultimately, the Greek deservedly won the first set 7:5.
Tsitsipas finally makes it home
In the second set, the German completely lost the plot, was quickly 5-0 behind and was already facing two match points from Tsitsipas. With his back against the wall, the German suddenly became more relaxed. He positioned himself closer to the baseline and hit the balls and lines. An incredible comeback began. Tsitsipas found his way back into the game a little better, but Zverev now maintained his level. The result: The German number one was actually able to go from 0-5 and two match points against him to 5-5. Suddenly he was back in the match, supported by his family, especially his brother Mischa, in the stands.
And as is the case in tennis: at 5:5 it was suddenly a different match again. Zverev was no longer playing quite so relaxed and the Greek took the lead at 6:5. Unlike in the first set, however, the Hamburg native saved himself in the tie-break. Here, Alexander Zverev started with a mini-break immediately after a long rally. Shortly afterwards, however, after a slight forehand error, Zverev was back on track. The balls with which Zverev had started his incredible comeback now landed out of bounds. So Tsitsipas had the next match points at 6:3 in the tie-break.
With a somewhat uninspired forehand volley error from Zverev, the Greek finally wins the match against Alexander Zverev, who gave away his comeback somewhat carelessly. As in the previous year, Zverev is eliminated in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo and will now play next in the tournament in Munich.