Categories: ATPHamburgTop Story

Zverev snaps three-decade German title drought in Hamburg

Alexander Zverev came close to tears on court as he ended a three-decade German title drought at the ATP Hamburg 500 event on Sunday with a 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Laslo Djere.

Hamburg-born Zverev became the first German to lift the title at the Rothenbaum Club since Michael Stich in 1993.

Victory – his first in a final since winning the ATP year-en Finals in 2021 – marked Zverev’s return after missing the second half of 2022 after a serious ankle injury suffered at Roland Garros.

Roland Garros French Open Semi Final 2022 Alexander Zverev (GER) takes a fall and has to retire, Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd

The No. 19 now owns 20 career titles and played his last final at Madrid 15 months ago his last clay trophy came in 2021.

“At the end of the day, this is my home, this is where I grew up, and this is where I started playing tennis,” the delighted winner said.

“It was incredible for me, incredibly emotional. I can’t describe it in words, I’m just super happy right now.”

Zverev needed just under two hours for his victory, coming from break down in the second set and claiming victory as he sent a cross-court winner past his Serb opponent.

Zverev struck 22 winners and held his unforced errors to 13; he broke on three of his four chances.

The 57th-ranked Djere lost for the ninth time in 11 matches against Top 20 players this season.

“Sasha played amazing tennis,’ the runner-up said. “I’m about the result but it was regardless a great week for me.

“I played good tennis.”

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev celebrates as he wins Hamburg title © European Open

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Halep seething over Swiatek wrist-slap doping penalty

Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…

3 weeks ago

Nadal goes down in final match

Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…

1 month ago

Sinner flattens de Minaur in runaway home start

Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…

1 month ago

Madcap Medvedev suffers temperamental Turin Finals loss

Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…

1 month ago

Team Sinner considering skipping Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…

1 month ago

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

2 months ago