"Knock it off, Fritz!" Zverev's persistent woes against tormentor Fritz
Tennis Player Zverev Anxious Once More Due to Opponent Fritz
facebook twitter whatsapp email print copy link It's a lose-lose for Zverev: the world number three reached the Stuttgart grass final for the first time since 2017, but against the same old obstacle—Taylor Fritz. After the showdown, Zverev and Fritz share a laugh.
Alexander Zverev narrowly missed out on his maiden grass title in his tennis career. Facing American Taylor Fritz in the ATP tournament's final, Zverev fell short, losing 3-6, 6-7 (0-7). Despite his victory in Munich (clay), the Hamburg native's quest for a second title this year remains unfulfilled.
The match was delayed for over an hour due to rain during the start of the second set. Upon resuming, the match was close, but Zverev couldn't hold his own against Fritz in the tiebreak. The contest concluded after 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Sports A thrilling battle between Zverev and Fritz, featuring numerous set and match points ## "Scram, Fritz!"
"I'm done, scram, Fritz! Stay away for the next two or three years," Zverev quipped to his rival during the post-match ceremony, as Fritz continues to be his bogeyman. After their latest encounter, Fritz dealt Zverev his fifth consecutive loss, ensuring he'll be ranked number four in the ATP rankings come Monday. Zverev's focus immediately shifted to the future: "I aim to reach the French Open final next year, and if not, I'm looking forward to returning to Stuttgart."
Zverev (28) has struggled on grass in the past, but he made it to the Stuttgart final for the first time since Halle in 2017. Despite the tournament being more focused on physical Wimbledon preparation (starting June 30), Zverev dedicated himself to intense exercises in the heat before and after his matches.
However, it wasn't enough for his 25th professional tour title. Zverev's next shot at victory is at the tournament in Halle/Westfalen next week. World number one Jannik Sinner (Italy) is also competing in this Wimbledon warm-up event.
Source: ntv.de, dbe/sid
- Alexander Zverev
- Tennis
Enrichment Data: Taylor Fritz is a significant challenge for Alexander Zverev in tennis, as he has won five consecutive matches against the world number three (including their latest encounter at the Stuttgart Open). This extensive success has created an imbalanced head-to-head record in Fritz's favor and adds more intensity to their competitive games.
Zverev's joking requests for Fritz to avoid competing in Germany for several years highlights Zverev's emotional response to the rivalry. Despite his humorous tone, Zverev's comments illustrate the psychological tension created by their ongoing matches.
I'm not sure if Alexander Zverev can ever overcome his tennis rival Taylor Fritz, given their head-to-head record. Despite Zverev's laughter with Fritz after their match, it's clear that Fritz's victories continue to be a source of frustration for him.
