Unlike against Medvedev, Zverev served more stable at 6: 3, 4: 6, 6: 3 against Schwartzman: If he won only 21 percent of his second serves on Monday, it was 45 percent against Schwartzman. Above all, Zverev could rely on the first serve. He hit ten aces with only three double faults.
Both players repeatedly made mistakes in the rallies. In the second set, Zverev gave up a break lead and missed an earlier decision. Born in Hamburg, he often seemed nervous and nervous. Nevertheless, in the end he prevailed.
Victory against Djokovic is enough for the semifinals
With a win on Friday against world number one Novak Djokovic, Zverev can reach the knockout round like last year. In 2018 he even won the season finale of the eight best players of the year. To this day it is the greatest success of his career.
“Playing here against Novak is the hardest thing there is. I will have to improve significantly, I am aware of that, «said Zverev. The 23-year-old last played on hard court against Djokovic in 2018. At that time he won the final of the ATP Finals 6: 4, 6: 3.
In the direct duel on Friday (3 p.m., TV: Sky), only the winner will move into the semi-finals. Djokovic is currently the best player on the tour, but surprisingly lost 3: 6, 3: 6 against Medvedev on Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, Zverev is considered an outsider due to the unconvincing performance in the tournament so far.
