Rain strains nerves
Zverev looks for comfort zone, but finds confidence to win
Interruptions due to rain and a strong opponent with a home advantage: Alexander Zverev is fighting on several fronts at the ATP Masters in Cincinnati. None of this can stop the 27-year-old. The German moves into the semi-finals – against the toughest possible opponent.
Alexander Zverev fought his way into the semi-finals at the ATP Masters in Cincinnati and gained further self-confidence just a few days before the US Open. Germany's best tennis player beat local hero Ben Shelton 3:6, 7:6 (7:3), 7:5 and did not let himself be disturbed by several breaks in the rain.
“The conditions and the interruptions were tough, but Ben was the most difficult part of the match,” said Zverev: “He played fantastic tennis all week. It was hard to find my comfort zone today, but it's great to get the win pick up.”
In the semifinals in Cincinnati on Sunday (9 p.m./Sky)the third in three years for Zverev, is a first for the Tokyo Olympic champion. The 27-year-old will face Italian world number one Jannik Sinner for the first time this year, who beat Andrei Rublev 4:6, 7:5, 6:4.
The tournament in the US state of Ohio is Zverev's last chance to find his form before the major in New York (from August 26th). There had been a few setbacks in the past few weeks, and Zverev also appeared to be vulnerable in terms of health. At the Olympic Games in Paris he failed in the quarterfinals after a somewhat erratic performance and then had himself checked out. This was followed by the Masters in Montreal, where the round of the best eight was also over: In the game against the American Sebastian Korda, Zverev coughed again and again and complained of breathing problems.
He felt more comfortable all week in Cincinnati. After initial difficulties, Zverev held his nerve against Shelton and after just under two and a half hours, the number four in the world rankings secured his 52nd victory on the ATP tour this year.
