Zverev lifts Vienna trophy as the fifth tennis title this season

Tennis, Vienna Trophy: Defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime and Carlos Alcaraz in his journey to the final, Alexander Zverev overcomes USA’s Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 6-4. The battle went for almost one hour and 26 minutes.

Zverev was impressive with his serves winning around 80 percent of the first-serve points while playing very aggressively inside the baseline as well to power his forehand.

“He didn’t let me play the way I wanted to play, tactically he was very good,” Zverev said. “But I am happy with the win and I am happy with my fifth title of the year and I am happy with my first in Vienna, so it was a good day.”

His head-to-head record against the American stands at 6-1 after this battle and overall after the Wimbledon Zverev is now 25-2. His tour-level career wins are more than 300 and still striding forward for more in the ATP finals in Turn.

Winning the ATP 1000 masters titles at Madrid and Cincinnati also grabbed the Tokyo Olympics gold medal, Zverev is yet to lose in the final he has appeared this season. This is however his second time winning five tour-level titles in a season. It was in 2017 that he did that.

“I think the Olympics gave me a lot of confidence and I believe I can compete for any title that I play in,” Zverev added. “I am happy with the form I am in but I have got two more massive weeks ahead of me and I hope I can do well.”

Tiafoe played diversely with great variety while also having a great play at the net too. The match started with breaks on both sides as they were out of rhythm. Alexander Zverev was playing on the baseline to maximize his power against such an unpredictable opponent.

Taking the first set which was competitive breaking the 12th game of the set. His aggression did not stop hitting aces along the court. The second set in comparison was straightforward when Zverev broke Tiafoe early and took the lead.

Tiafoe rallied from a set and 2-5 down against Italian Jannik Sinner to book his spot in the championship match but was unable to come back against Zverev. The World No. 49 has earned a career-best 29 tour-level victories this season and was aiming to win his first tour-level trophy since triumphing in Delray Beach in 2018.

“I knew I was capable of a week like this,” Tiafoe said. “It is not easy to beat good player after good player. These guys are so good. To have a week like this and know you can do it and not just beat one top player but three great guys is great.”