Title missed: Zverev falls short in Toronto final due to deciding match ball mishap
Alexander Zverev Falls Short in Toronto Masters Final Against Karen Khachanov
Alexander Zverev's quest for a spot in the US Open final before the tournament took a hit as he lost to Karen Khachanov in the Masters tournament in Toronto. The defeat marks a setback for Zverev, who had been hoping to bounce back after his disappointing exit at Wimbledon earlier this year.
The match was a hard-fought battle, with Khachanov proving to be more aggressive, agile, and lively than Zverev. Khachanov's energy and determination were evident as he saved himself in the tiebreak and used his second match point to clinch the win. The final score was 3:6, 6:4, 6:7 (4:7).
Zverev, who had taken the first break chance of the match to level the set in the second set, could not recover from the decisive break at 3:1 in the first set. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to find his rhythm, admitting afterwards that he didn't have a good feeling for the ball during the match.
Khachanov, on the other hand, made 44 unforced errors during the match, but they were too few for Zverev to capitalize on. The Russian player used all 11 opportunities at the net to score points in the second set, making it difficult for Zverev to mount a comeback.
Zverev's loss in Toronto comes after a period of intensive training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where he worked with Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach. The training reportedly led to tactical adjustments, with Zverev showing a more aggressive style and willingness to step inside the baseline. Many believe these changes could enhance his chances of winning his first Grand Slam title.
Despite the promising step, a permanent collaboration with Toni Nadal did not materialize. Zverev's father, Alexander Zverev Sr., remains his main coach, and the complex dynamics within his existing coaching setup continue to be a topic of discussion.
Khachanov will face Ben Shelton in the final of the Cincinnati tournament on Thursday, while Zverev will look to regroup and prepare for his next tournament. The loss in Toronto was a setback, but Zverev considers it a step forward and believes he showed bravery in the tiebreak.
References:
- ESPN
- Tennis World USA
- Sports Illustrated
- Reuters
In the aftermath of his Masters tournament loss, Alexander Zverev still aims to make his US Open final debut, though his preparations have encountered a hurdle. Meanwhile, Khachanov, the triumphant Toronto finalist, will engage in a new battle in the Cincinnati tournament, showcasing his success in sports, particularly tennis.
