Alexander Zverev’s losing streak against Jannik Sinner was extended to five matches last night, as the Italian claimed the win in their ATP Finals match in straight sets.
It marked yet another routine win for the former world number one, although he was perhaps forced to be a little more clinical due to the impressive nature of his opponent.
Despite what the scoreline suggests, it was far closer than a 6-4, 6-3 match, with the big-serving German bringing about seven break points to Jannik Sinner’s four.
Crucially, the eventual victor converted two of his opportunities, whilst Alexander Zverev managed none; that proved pivotal.
Alexander Zverev reacts to losing another match against Jannik Sinner
Speaking afterwards, the 28-year-old was keen to laud his own performance, but admitted that Sinner was once again just too good.
Zverev began: “Yeah, I think generally today the match, the biggest difference was how he was serving on the break points. I had more break points than him. I felt very good from the baseline, actually better than in Vienna almost, when we were in the rally.
“To be honest, he had two chances to break me, and he used both of them. I had a lot of chances, and I didn’t use any.
“The score was 6-4, 6-3, but in my opinion, my humble opinion, I felt like the match was closer than the score maybe says. I thought it was a very high-level match. I thought especially from the baseline, we played very well.
“This is how it is sometimes. Sometimes when he’s having a day like this, where he’s serving unbelievable… His biggest strength is, of course, how he plays from the baseline, how he moves, how he hits forehands, how he hits backhands.”
However, it was not just his consistency from the back of the court that impressed Zverev, as his best serving emerged at the crucial moments too: “Sometimes when he’s serving like this, it’s even more difficult because, as you said, seven break points, seven first serves, not one second serve I had. I was not even in the rally at all. I think I made one return. He hit a forehand winner. So yeah, it’s difficult like this.
Should Alexander Zverev get a new coach?
“But of course, he improved his serve a lot. All in all, from the baseline, how the game was, I thought it was a good match, which maybe was closer than the score says.”
Sinner cut an upbeat figure in his on-court interview, as he was naturally delighted with such a professional performance against a top opponent.
How can Alexander Zverev play Jannik Sinner again in the ATP Finals?
Zverev made a bold claim by admitting he hopes to face Sinner again in this event, but given how the groups are laid out ahead of the final matches, there’s definitely a possibility.
After all, he can secure second place within his ATP Finals group with a win over Felix Auger-Aliassime tomorrow, which would see him face the winner of the other round robin.
Given his form, and with the added incentive of securing the year-end world number one spot with a win over Lorenzo Musetti, that top spot is largely expected to be held by Carlos Alcaraz.
Therefore, Zverev will have to beat the in-form Spaniard in the semi-finals to get an opportunity to take revenge on Sinner.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
