It’s happened again for Alexander Zverev as he lost in another final this weekend – this time at the German Open.
The German player has now been beaten in five ATP 1000 finals and two Grand Slam finals during his career.
His run at Wimbledon was ended in the last 16 when Taylor Fritz came from two sets to love down to win in five sets.
Fritz is a player capable of the sublime and he roared back on Centre Court to claim a huge Wimbledon scalp.
Zverev is now stepping up his preparation for the Olympics and he will have been happy to reach another final in his homeland.
He came across Arthur Fils in fine form though and the Frenchman claimed a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 victory on the clay.
Yesterday’s match wasn’t without incident though and there was a moment that saw both players get rather heated with each other.
Heated exchange between Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils takes centre stage
This was an entertaining match but it was tarnished with some unsavoury play from the Frenchman as the game drew to a close.
The flash point came when Fils tried to do an underarm serve and Zverev took exception to that from his opponent.
The Tennis Letter on X explained: “Arthur Filks and Alexander Zverev having a word at the changeover.
“A lot of drama in the game.
“Arthur tried hitting an underarm serve that was called in, but upon further review, it was out.
“The crowd started applauding Arthur’s missed serves.
“A few points later, Zverev stopped play and said a shot Arthur hit was out. But the umpire comes down to check it out and says it was in.
“It’s raining so loudly on the roof that you can hardly hear the ball being hit.
“Crazy match.”
Fils will take the win by hook or by crook
The world number 20 will welcome this win here at the German Open and he’s warmed up for the Olympics in style.
Fils in riding the crest of a wave just now, having reached a career-best last 16 at Wimbledon earlier this month.
He lost to Alex de Minaur, with the Australian being forced to pull out of the tournament after beating the French performer.
In beating Zverev, however, he’s showcased that he can mix it with the top players and at 20-years-old there are certainly promising signs.
The underarm serve is permitted in the rules of tennis – but perhaps the more traditional-minded players think it’s somewhat unsavoury.
Still, he didn’t do a lot wrong and other, more reputable, players have tried this trick long before Fils did yesterday.
It was fascinating to watch this match yesterday and Fils will just be glad that he was able to claim a second career win during the match.
Next up for both players, it’s the Olympics…
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