Zverev beats Ruud in two sets

Zverev’s words

The German’s immediate declarations: “Very happy to have won today, the level was very high from both of us, the first set was very balanced, I made the difference on a few points. The conditions are very difficult, but at the end of the day I’m very happy because I’m trying to do my best and I think I’m succeeding“. And now, as confirmed by some of the experts here in Turin, there will be another training session for Zverev, who has booked the pitch for an hour and a half.

The match ends as one might expect, that is, with a fairly smooth victory for Zverev, who finds the break in the eighth game also thanks to some errors from Ruud, and then closes easily in the ninth game. One set against Alcaraz will be enough for him to reach the semifinals. 7-6(3) 6-3 Zverev.

Nessun break

As in the first partial, the games pass quickly and without any particular shocks. No break points on both sides, with Zverev this time having the advantage of serving first. 4-3 Zverev.

The game lights up

There are no breaks at the start of the second set but the level of the game begins to rise, with a great point quickly passed from the defense to Zverev’s attack to close the third game. 2-1 Zverev.

GET A SET OF BEASTS

The balance lasts until almost the end. But in the tie-break the strongest player triumphs. Zverev wins a couple of points played in a masterly manner, very clean from the baseline and incisive at the net. And not even a very good Ruud can do anything except save the first two set points. But the third one is the good one. 7-6(3) Zverev.

Ruud secures the tie-break

Ruud continues to hold the serve with authority and above all to keep Zverev away, who is unable to make an impact even in return. The Norwegian thus manages to secure the tie-break. 6-5 Ruud.

The pressure is on Zverev

Ruud’s super performance continues, holding Zverev to serve and never actually giving him the initiative. And the German has little space to find any chance of reaching the break. Now he will have to serve to stay in the set. 5-4 Ruud.

Great start from Ruud

The Norwegian follows up on what he showed on his debut against Alcaraz, conceding less than the minimum to the German when it is his turn to serve. It will be essential for Casper to keep the rallies long and especially on the diagonal forehand, given that from the left side Zverev could take over. 3-2 Ruud.

All ready for the last match

Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud take to the court for the last singles of the day. A place in the semi-final could be up for grabs, the world no.2 has won 3 out of 5 matches. But Ruud keeps the first service game easily. 1-0 Ruud.

MATCH KRAWIETZ/PUETZ

Bolelli and Vavassori’s match ends in the worst possible way, with a bad forehand sunk into the net by Simone in the tenth game. A ticket to the semi-finals for the Germans, who from eighth seed reach among the best four. 6-4 Kra/Pue.

Tension rises

Despite the 0-30 in the ninth game in favor of the Azzurri, the Teutonic pair found a way to get to grips with it and resolve the situation, sending the home pair to serve to stay in the match. 5-4 Kra/Pue.

Bolelli and Vavassori chase

After a chiaroscuro first set, Puetz made amends in the second set. In the service games he almost turns into a wall, and holds the seventh game at 15 with extreme authority. Unfortunately there is little that the Azzurri can do, who should try to extend the exchange a little. 4-3 Kra/Pue.

Second set without shocks

In the second set, the Germans’ confidence increased, especially when serving. No concrete opportunity for Bolelli and Vavassori, who seem to have lost even a bit of initiative in response. 3-2 Kra/Pue.

KRAWIETZ/PUETZ SET

By leaving opportunities as such, the opponents take advantage of them. We reach the deciding point for the first time in the match on the serve of the blue couple, which however is enough for the Germans, with a great backhand lob to define everything. 7-5 Kra/Pue.

The tiebreaker is approaching

Once again we reach the deciding point on Puetz’s serve, so far the player most in difficulty when it comes to serving. But once again, after a wonderful forehand lob from Vavassori (hit of the match so far), the Germans manage to get away with a small homage from the baseline from the Italian duo. 6-5 Kra/Pue.

Nessun break

Going forward, the balance between two pairs protagonists of excellent tennis is maintained. Simone and Andrea are good at not giving away any chances, instead putting their opponents in difficulty when it is their turn to respond. But once again, with a winning first, Puetz manages to save himself. 4-3 Kra/Pue.

The Germans resist

The first break points of the match arrive on Puetz’s serve in favor of Bolelli and Vavassori. The initial returns create problems, but the German pushes the serve towards the end and manages to keep his serve safe. 2-1 Kra/Pue.

The arrival of the players on the pitch

In an Inalpi Arena strangely already with a good portion full, clearly due to the presence of our Azzurri, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori arrive on the field, favorites to win in a match that promises well against Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.