The dream of winning his first title in Halle lives on: Alexander "Sascha" Zverev has reached the semi-finals of the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN for the fourth time. He defeated Arthur with great difficulty in three sets 6:7(5), 6:3, 6:3.
Arthur Fils (20) is one of those talented young players who are pushing to the top. The Frenchman from Bondoufle near Paris won his first ATP title at the age of 18, back then in Lyon. Perhaps Zverev was reminded of himself. When he once stormed into the final of the grass court tournament in Halle at the age of 19 and 20. His career also really took off at the age of 20, when he became one of the world's top players.
The match flowed slowly. Both players struggled to find the thread in their game. Was it due to the humid weather in Halle? The tie-break was almost inevitable in the first set. There had only been one break point - for the young Frenchman.
At 3:2 in favour of Fils in the tie-break, he hit an infinitely long return at the feet of the German, who missed. Zverev demanded a replay from the cameras, but the ball was good. Fils got the break and had three set points at 6:3. Zverev now hit his first serve twice. But then the favourite hit a return into the net. The set was gone.
But the second game was now in the Hamburg player's favour, much to the delight of the crowd. He had two break points in the fourth game. He let them go unused. But in the sixth game, he was merciless and took the newcomer's service - to nil! When he closed out the set a little later with an ace, he screamed out his relief.
Now the rain came and the roof was closed. The players had to wait, joking together at the side of the court. Then it was time for serious business on the court again. And only one player was serious now: Alexander Zverev. In the 7th game, he was in control and broke decisively. Fils now looked a little tired and could barely hold on. After two and a half hours, he had his third match point. Now Hubert Hurkacz is waiting for the German. Beforehand, he praised the crowd: "I love playing here. Thank you very much for your support, it's not something you can take for granted."
