Zverev: 'This one will hurt a lot' | ATP Tour

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Zverev: 'This one will hurt a lot'

Two-time champion reflects on Fritz's semi-final loss at Nitto ATP Finals 2024

November 16, 2024

Alexander Zverev came close to solving the Taylor Fritz puzzle, but failed again.

On Saturday, the 27-year-old lost in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. In a tight three-set battle where only a few points separated the two, Zverev admitted he fell short at key moments.

“This one is going to hurt me a lot because I thought I played at a decent level and had a lot of chances in general in the third set. I felt I was smart in terms of numbers and shooting, my level was probably higher than his until the key moments. That's when I hit it.

“I didn't take my chances in the third set at all. I feel like I got more than enough. I played a below average break, I would say. Worse than the standard was in the whole third set. from my end.”

In one of the most notable rivalries of 2024, Zverev and Fritz faced each other five times, including battles at Wimbledon and the US Open, which went Fritz's way. Overall, the American, enjoying his best season on Tour, defeated Zverev 4-1 in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

The two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion appreciated the progress he saw in the US Open finals.

“His forehand used to break a lot. His forehand was always fast, and very aggressive, but he moved a lot at important times. He can hit a winner, but he can also call. I feel like the average is much higher for winners than calling. His forehand doesn't break like it used to,” he said.

“I think that's a much improved shot for him.”

Zverev, who has a perfect 3-0 round robin record in the main season finals, including a straight-sets victory over Carlos Alcaraz in his final group stage match on Friday, admitted he felt different against Fritz in the semi-finals.

“I felt empty today. Yesterday I felt full of energy. I was like a bouncing ball. I can move and I can run no matter how long. Today I felt empty, especially at the beginning. As the game went on for a long time. I continued, I felt better at the beginning of the game, I struggled in my games as well,” he says like this.

“It was one of those days where everything takes time to get going. There's no natural flow in the movement patterns, in your photography and how you wake up in the morning. Everything is very tiring. I felt that way today.

“We are facing Carlos, it was a milestone in the competition. Perhaps the best match the tournament has seen so far. Unfortunately, I didn't back it up to the level of the first set.”

Zverev, who made his mark as the year-end No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings, also showed his journey this year. The German won two titles and registered a 69-21 record this season according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

“I played good games. I won 65 games, something like that. It's been an interesting year for me, especially after the injury. It was my first full year back competing at this level and competing in big tournaments. “I won two Masters matches (in Rome and Paris),” said Zverev.

“But what sticks in the mind, I think, is the heavy loss you have. What will stick in my mind is the Australian Open loss against Daniil, and the French Open final against Carlos. Those are the games that stay in my mind. You can trust me, I will do everything I can to come back at the same time, in the same condition next year. I will do everything I can to win.”