Decisive break in the third set
World number three Zverev got off to a good start in the twelfth duel against Tsitsipas, who was two places behind, and won the first set. But in the second round, the 23-year-old Greek came into play better and better, while Zverev made too many mistakes. In the third set, Tsitsipas managed the decisive break in the fifth game – Zverev gave his opponent the break ball with his fourth double fault of the game.
In what was already the third semi-final this year between the two world-class players, the Greek celebrated his second victory, which was not undeserved. In Madrid a week ago he lost in three sets against Zverev, previously in Monte Carlo Tsitsipas had clearly won in two rounds. Overall, it was the eighth win for the Greek tennis pro.
After beating Tsitsipas the previous week, Zverev had no chance against young Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the final in Madrid. For the French Openwhich begin on May 22, the Olympic champion still has room for improvement.
Swiatek still in his own league: 27th victory in the final in Rome
The tennis world number one Iga Swiatek had previously reached the final of the WTA tournament in Rome with her 27th win in a row. The fifth title in a row beckons her on Sunday. In the semifinals, Swiatek gave third seeded Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) no chance with a score of 6:2, 6:1.
Swiatek didn’t want to deal with her winning streak for long. “We don’t have time to celebrate in the tournaments we play every day,” she said: “Right after the end of a match we have to think about the next one. It’s tough. But I know I’ll be very proud of myself.”
Swiatek also a big favorite at the French Open
The 20-year-old, who took over the top spot after Australian Ashleigh Barty retired, has been the dominant player on the tour for weeks. After the triumphs in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Stuttgart, she took a break in Madrid – and is playing big again in Rome.
For the French Open in Paris (from May 22), Swiatek is the big favorite, in Roland Garros she has her only one so far in 2020 Grand Slam-Title won. In the Foro Italico, defending champion Swiatek will face either Madrid winner Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) or Daria Kassatkina (Russia) in the final on Sunday.
US star Serena Williams last managed 27 wins in a row in 2014/15. However, Swiatek still has a long way to go to set the women’s record: In 1984, Martina Navratilova went unbeaten for 74 matches in a row. In 1989 and 1990, Steffi Graf racked up 66 victories before she was stopped by Monica Seles in the final in Berlin.
Source: dpa