The American Taylor Fritz (ATP 5) caused a surprise by qualifying for the final of the ATP Masters in Turin. He beat German Alexander Zverev (2) 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7/3).
Zverev had 8 consecutive victories and his defeat was unexpected. Fritz (27 years old) is the first American to reach the final of the “masters tournament” since James Blake in 2006. He can offer the United States a first victory in the event since Pete Sampras in 1999.
Solid service
Even though he had won their last three confrontations, including a single at the Laver Cup, Fritz was not the favorite in this duel of waiters-sluggers, as Zverev (27) had been on cloud nine since his coronation at the Masters 1000 from Paris. He had also dominated his group stage with 3 victories without losing a single set.
But the American, an unfortunate finalist at the US Open in September, suddenly brought him back to earth with a barrage of serves at more than 220 km/h (6 aces, 95% of points won on his first ball during the 1st set) which allowed him to easily and quickly win his service games.
ats/pc
Swiss
