Tsitsipas, first finalist in Rome after taking revenge on Zverev

the greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, 23 years old and world number 5 (on Monday it will be four at the expense of Rafael Nadal), is already waiting for the final of the Masters 1000 ATP in Rome for the Serbian Novak Djokovicwho has not faced since the final of Roland Garros 2021, or the Norwegian Casper Ruud.

Tsitsipas regained his traditional German dominance alexander zverev, 25 years old and No. 3, especially in clay. He avenged his defeat last week in the semifinals of Mutua Madrid is openback to the ‘semis’ path of the same campaign in Monte Carlowhere he became champion.

Tsitsipas defeated Zverev by 4-6, 6-3 and 6-3 at 2h.28 ‘. His eighth win in twelve games, fourth in five on clay, a surface on which the Hellenic has more stability within the danger that one and the other typically receive.

After sharing a set each, Tsitsipas took control of the third set. He was unmoved in his serving, winning 15 of 23 points, 11 of 12 including the first. Physically fuller on a very hot day, he also helped a poor Zverev, who was accumulating mistakes because he knew he couldn’t handle his opponent.

surrender to the ward of Sergio Brugueraalthough in the Foro Italico he again taught his son alexander zverev seniors. He won the technical duel of ‘daddy’ parents Tsitsipas, Apostles.

Tsitsipas combined his leadership with the players with the most games won, with 31 (out of 40), which he delivered to Madrid on the left Carlos Alcaraz. He will be third in the world on Monday, which will have the strength for Roland Garros, where he should be the fourth man next after Murcian, Novak Djokovic and, if the foot allows it, Rafael Nadal.

Tsitsipas is chasing his ninth ATP title in his 20th final. In the Masters 1000 he has won twice, always in Monte Carlo, in four contested finals. On private record he is 2-6 with Djokovic and 1-1 with Ruud.