Zverev Overpowers Hobbled Federer in ATP Montreal Final
by Staff | August 13th, 2017, 11:22 pm
  • 34 Comments

Alexander Zverev defeated an injured Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to claim the Rogers Cup title in Montreal.


Despite Federer showing some movement issues in the second set, Zverev was a big-hitting force throughout the match, winning his fifth title of the year.

“Winning two Masters 1000 titles in the same year is something amazing,” said Zverev. “I played well winning Washington and here. It’s something amazing, back-to-back weeks. I feel great. I feel like I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life.”

Zverev improved to 5-1 in finals this year and 6-3 career.

“I feel like I’m playing the right tennis, well enough tennis to be there,” the 20-year-old said. “I don’t feel like things are going unnatural. I think everything is going pretty natural.”

Zverev fought off all three break points he faced and converted on two of six occasions. He broke at 2-1 in the first set and 3-3 in the second.

Federer wouldn’t speak of length of any specific injuries or issues.

“I felt all right all week,” the Swiss said. “Had a bit of muscle pain, aches and pains here and there, just because it’s back on the match courts, on the hardcourts. After vacation and practice, it’s always a bit of a shock for the body. We’ll have to wait and see now how I feel in the next couple of days.

“It is a positive week in the end. The final was unexpected. But it’s keeping up with the good results of this year. Playing the final was a good thing. Of course, I’m disappointed with today. I thought I would do better. I wanted to fight a bit more and make the match a bit more tighter. I had opportunities. But Zverev played extremely well. He played well all week.

“At this level I’ve gotten to play him already now for the fourth or fifth time. I practiced a ton with him. We know each other well. I’m just really happy for him, to see that he’s taking everything not just to the next level, but the two next levels, winning two Masters 1000s. It’s extremely difficult to win. He’s won two this year. It’s a wonderful achievement for him. I wish him the best for the coming months and hope he can finish the season very strong because there’s opportunities now.”

Federer fell to 5-1 in finals this year and 93-49 in career finals, and can reclaim the No. 1 ranking next week in Cincinnati.


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34 Comments for Zverev Overpowers Hobbled Federer in ATP Montreal Final

skeezer Says:

Fed a class act! Congrats to Sasha, having a great season so far.

August 14th, 2017 at 12:43 am


Margot Says:

Well done Bonny Boy! The future loos bright!

August 14th, 2017 at 1:01 am


Michael Says:

Well the injury suffered by Roger does take away the gloss from Zyrev’s victory, but yet he played power tennis with precision making it extremely uncomfortable for Roger due to the slowness of surface. Therefore Zyrev truly deservs this victory and he is showing so much potential and consistency to become star of the future. All the best to him. As regards Roger, he made a bad decision by opting to play here. Cincinatti would have suited his game much better. But then coming to finals in a Masters is not a small achievement.

August 14th, 2017 at 3:07 am


madmax Says:

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/840672/Roger-Federer-US-Open-Alexander-Zverev-Canada

Sky Sports pundit and former professional tennis player Annabel Croft reckons it was a recurrence of that back injury that left Federer stricken during the second set.

“There was a point which Zverev ended up winning where [Federer] was pulled from pillar to post and had to change directions quite a bit,” Croft said

“I don’t know whether he tweaked his back but after that when he was serving, suddenly the motion went right off.

“There was no rhythm in it and he wasn’t able to rotate in the back and shoulders.

“The speed of the serve came right off and it was very, very apparent. On the returns of serve he just wasn’t moving.

“Even the walk around the court was a little bit reminiscent of how Andy Murray was walking at Wimbledon.”

Federer’s problems took a little bit of the gloss of a fine win for Zverev but he was poised and aggressive off the ground from the outset rarely giving the 19-time Grand Slam champion time to dictate.

*******************

I don’t know why everyone is so shocked or disappointed. I am so thrilled and proud to still see Federer playing at the very, very highest level and I am so pleased and thrilled for Zverev who has beaten his idol and equalled his titles, not only that, but the H2H is 2:2. Imagine that. Imagine Zverev being able to say, in years to come that he played Federer lost to him twice, then won against him.

I want to stay positive for Federer. He is his toughest opponent and wish him the best with any decision that he makes. He didn’t play his best yesterday but these things happen. No excuses. None. Federer will always be an Icon. Who knows? Perhaps Zerev/Shapovalov, Thiem will even beat his current GS titles, they, at least, have plenty of time to do so. You just never know what is going to happen in Sport.

FedEx, try not to be sad, negative or disappointed. We are so privileged to still have Roger playing. He is amazing. Just incredible.

Federer to make Cincinnati decision

Federer, who missed the clay court season, was playing in his first tournament since winning Wimbledon on 16 July.

“After vacation and practice, it’s always a bit of a shock for the body,” he said. “I felt all right all week. Had a bit of muscle pain, aches and pains here and there, just because it’s back on the match courts, on the hard courts.”

He said he will “take a decision in the next couple of days” whether he plays in Cincinnati, where he has a first-round bye.

The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, begins on 28 August.

Federer added: “Looking ahead to the US Open, obviously I want to be in the best possible shape. Winning my third of the year, my 20th Grand Slam, would be completely insane. I just hope I’m going to be 100% ready when the moment arises.”

August 14th, 2017 at 4:29 am


madmax Says:

Margot, agreed.

We are all excited to see this generation of players push through.

I don’t know who it was, perhaps Willow? (put me right Willow), or it could have been someone else. When you think of Zverev, Thiem, Shapovalov, pushing through. They are there, on the cusp, now Zverev is REALLY there. Then you have the likes of players such as Dimitrov/Gulbis/Dolgopolov, we have been saying for quite a while, these are the ‘next generation of players’ with such talent…whatever happens to make these players hold back, and others push through.

I am sadly disappointed about Dimitrov though because he seems to have become more of a playboy in Los Angeles rather than practising day in/day out. That is a huge waste of talent.

Gulbis, probably thinks, ‘been there, done that’. Don’t need to do this anymore. Another wasted talent.

Dolgopolov, I really did think he would push through and ‘get to where Zverev now is’. That player is really on the right road to huge success. I think I saw Murray’s previous trainer in his team yesterday as well.

August 14th, 2017 at 4:35 am


Margot Says:

MadMax: too much expectation, and therefore too much pressure, on Gorgeous Grig? Can’t have been great being likened to Fed all the time. Milos and Kei- too many injuries. Dolgopolov-coping with a chronic illness. Anyone else you feel has “missed the boat?”

August 14th, 2017 at 4:41 am


madmax Says:

Too much expectation, Margot I agree.

Yes, I guess I am disappointed most of all Margot with Dimitrov, I have seen images of him and Nicole, everywhere whenever I am reading about tennis, I get these annoying ‘pop ups’ – seems that his heart is only half in tennis and half in making a name for himself in other areas.

I think of Monfils, Tsonga, Gasquet, Simon, should all have won at least a slam by now. They have had their ‘hey day’, so many years on tour, bursts of brilliance, but still deliver, inconsistently, very good tennis. This is what Rafa had to say:

‘Teenagers once routinely won Grand Slam tournaments, especially on the women’s circuit, And while Nadal — who won the French Open at 19 in 2005 — believes that the process is cyclical and that a teenager will inevitably rule again, it still seems more likely that a young female player could break through before a male equivalent can win seven grueling best-of-five-sets matches in a men’s Grand Slam draw.’

This was interesting Margot. Just wonder why it is that it has taken so long and the previous generation of players that I mentioned, seem to have been overtaken by the new, fresher generation that are giving blood to tennis. after our players that we have loved for so many years are still ‘hanging on/hanging around (thank goodness!, with still more to give. Hoorah. Hoorah. Hoorah). Roger, Rafa, Andy and Novak.

In terms of missing the boat, I feel that Kyrgios has kind of missed opportunities because of his temper, so I cannot count him in this new generation of players because he still behaves like a 3 year old.

Sadly.

Perhaps I will be proven wrong. Hopefully. Because Kyrgios has incredible talent, but he is too loose, too dangerous with his mouth and too raw. Who can tame him?

August 14th, 2017 at 4:57 am


madmax Says:

Michael Says:
Well the injury suffered by Roger does take away the gloss from Zyrev’s victory, but yet he played power tennis with precision making it extremely uncomfortable for Roger due to the slowness of surface. Therefore Zyrev truly deservs this victory and he is showing so much potential and consistency to become star of the future. All the best to him. As regards Roger, he made a bad decision by opting to play here. Cincinatti would have suited his game much better. But then coming to finals in a Masters is not a small achievement.

August 14th, 2017 at 3:07 am

Michael, I agree. Zverev absolutely deserved to win. I think there was always that worry, but I did think that Federer would pull it off. Zverev had a much better game plan though and congrats to him for pushing through the match and showing everyone that he is a true and real threat to every player on tour.

August 14th, 2017 at 4:59 am


Giles Says:

Congrats to young Zverev. Well done.

August 14th, 2017 at 5:33 am


Nits Says:

Zverev is a real deal has shown his mettle this year. He has a good chance to be the first next gen grand slam winner.

August 14th, 2017 at 7:36 am


t4t Says:

@skeezer, how is Fed a class act? He made a big drama on court exaggerating his “aches and pains” to attempt to take away the “gloss” from Zverev’s victory.

August 14th, 2017 at 9:34 am


Tennis Vagabond Says:

The Zverev Era is here. Hope Denis joins him in the top ten soon.

I was very impressed with Zverev’s comments about (and to Denis). Very generous. Also, I felt, honest, in lowering the crazy, sudden expectations, pointing out that this was the best tennis Denis has ever played, and it could take him a couple years to be able to do this regularly; but that we can see the talent he has.

I also enjoyed the trophy ceremony in seeing how pleased Federer seemed. Definitely looked like someone enjoying whatever he gets at this stage.

August 14th, 2017 at 9:48 am


skeezer Says:

Hawkeye,
Re; Fed a class act. Read the article. Also If you watched the match you saw a guy who didn’t wince once with pain nor call a trainer. Get a life.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:02 am


Giles Says:

https://twitter.com/andrewprochnow/status/896969746658230272
If he doesn’t pull out of Cinci this ” back” issue is a load of rubbish.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:31 am


madmax Says:

skeezer Says:
Hawkeye,
Re; Fed a class act. Read the article. Also If you watched the match you saw a guy who didn’t wince once with pain nor call a trainer. Get a life.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:02 am

Skeezer,

You are so right. I don’t know why people like him twist things, but then I guess it is pretty obvious, when you give it some deeper thought.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:54 am


Markus Says:

Good win for Zverev. Seems like a nice kid. He showed grace, humility and sense of humor at the awards ceremony. I can’t feel too bad for Federer who accepted defeat with a sense of humor by his self-deprecating comment alluding to his inability to win the Montreal tournament. Still, making it to the finals is nothing to snicker about. Only two made it that far. I do hope though that whatever bothered him will be resolved for the US Open. I am pleased with the result.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:55 am


madmax Says:

Tennis Vagabond Says:
The Zverev Era is here. Hope Denis joins him in the top ten soon.

I was very impressed with Zverev’s comments about (and to Denis). Very generous. Also, I felt, honest, in lowering the crazy, sudden expectations, pointing out that this was the best tennis Denis has ever played, and it could take him a couple years to be able to do this regularly; but that we can see the talent he has.

I also enjoyed the trophy ceremony in seeing how pleased Federer seemed. Definitely looked like someone enjoying whatever he gets at this stage.

August 14th, 2017 at 9:48 am

Absolutely TV. No one could be happier for a younger player at the start of his career, than Federer, or Rafa, the absolute heart of these two men, who have faced so much. To wish a player like Zverev the best of everything, shows the true manner of a champion.

Proud.

August 14th, 2017 at 10:56 am


skeezer Says:

Fed could have retired. He didn’t. He could have called a trainer. He didn’t. He played through and gave Sasha the glory ( see story above ). He’s not going to give a big story on how bad he is hurt or not right now. Right now is all about Sasha’s win. This day, this match, would have been very tough if Fed was healthy. Sasha was bullying Fed around early.
Maybe he’ll be ready for cinci, maybe not. @36 you just have to wait and see. The back can put you out a few days or months. We’ll see.

August 14th, 2017 at 11:05 am


madmax Says:

Well said Skeezer. This is what Annabel Croft mentioned earlier. You may have missed it.

Sky Sports pundit and former professional tennis player Annabel Croft reckons it was a recurrence of that back injury that left Federer stricken during the second set.

“There was a point which Zverev ended up winning where [Federer] was pulled from pillar to post and had to change directions quite a bit,” Croft said

“I don’t know whether he tweaked his back but after that when he was serving, suddenly the motion went right off.

“There was no rhythm in it and he wasn’t able to rotate in the back and shoulders.

“The speed of the serve came right off and it was very, very apparent. On the returns of serve he just wasn’t moving.

“Even the walk around the court was a little bit reminiscent of how Andy Murray was walking at Wimbledon.”

August 14th, 2017 at 11:39 am


FedExpress Says:

Had a half day of reflection.

first of all, congratz Sasha Zverev. I am also a german countryman and proud what he has achieved so far. After Haas, Schüttler and Kiefer we have another German hope who can deliver on the big stage.

And he has already won more big tournaments than the above mentioned (Haas I think won only one masters ?!?!)

He is defintely the promising talent and has so far backed it up with big results. Now he has to bring this form to the GS stages.

Regarding my love, my player: Federer. I am proud of this guy. He brough so much joy this year. All the past 5 years which were mixed with happines and sadness but not quite the big joyment he has delivered big time this season. 2 Grand Slams wins (TWO, not one, TWO), 2 Masters win, beating Rafa 3 times.

This is already a historic season. And will alaways have a special place in my heart.

Hope Roger is okay and is fully fit when the US open arrives.

Come on, Fed. Lets go.

August 14th, 2017 at 11:42 am


Margot Says:

madmax: I think Nick has got time on his side, he’s only 22, but he too is injury prone. However, I’m not sure he’s bothered enough to knuckle down and be serious about his tennis. Actually 4xK has loads of talent, if he stays injury free, he could do really well. Seems a good influence on Nick too.

August 14th, 2017 at 11:44 am


skeezer Says:

Smart move by Fed to withdraw from Cinci, rest that back for USO. As other fans mentioned in hindsight, should have not played Montreal and went for Cinci with the faster service. Oh well, can’t have the cake and eat it too.
Enter HR….

August 14th, 2017 at 11:53 am


FedExpress Says:

I hope Roger is fully fit when the USO arrives. My only concern.

He has two weeks to recover.

August 14th, 2017 at 11:59 am


RZ Says:

Cinci is a fast surface I believe. Could very well be a first-time Cinci and even Masters winner with so many of the top men sitting out, though Rafa and Cilic certainly have chances to repeat as champ.

August 14th, 2017 at 12:09 pm


RZ Says:

Zverev the younger is putting together quite a nice year!

August 14th, 2017 at 12:10 pm


skeezer Says:

Would be shocked if Rafa wins Cincy. Nowadays on a slick surface there are better players than him for sure.

August 14th, 2017 at 12:14 pm


Markus Says:

skeezer, I would be shocked if Rafa does not win. There’s hardly anybody left in the field who Rafa cannot beat, even on this surface.

August 14th, 2017 at 1:04 pm


Anto Says:

@Markus,

Well didn’t he just lost to a player ranked outside top 100? True he can beat anybody in the draw even on this surface. But he hasn’t won much on Hard Courts recently does he? As skeezer said I too would be shocked if Rafa does win Cincy. (But I hope he does.. :-P)

August 14th, 2017 at 1:16 pm


Willow Says:

Well you never know life is full of surprises, does never have always mean never will ?, and i also hope he does thats wearing my rose coloured spectacles though i suppose ….

Big congrats to young Zverev, hope he has a great tennis future ahead of him, i like the guys game ….

And hoping the back injury isnt too serious for Federer and hes OK for the USO ….

August 14th, 2017 at 1:22 pm


Markus Says:

Weren’t people shocked when Rafa lost to Shapovalov? Who among the Cincinnati entrants have a better record on that surface than Nadal? So, it would not be shocking to me if he wins.

August 14th, 2017 at 2:02 pm


Willow Says:

This is sport so anything can happen ….

August 14th, 2017 at 2:15 pm


Markus Says:

…like winning Cincinnati in 2013, or winning 10 French Opens. Hehehe!

August 14th, 2017 at 2:58 pm


Truth Says:

Fed floons said Fed was always classy & tried his best with far superior, genius moves.
Deluded much?
He also tanked against Nadal at the Slams, but he claimed he was playing “epic tennis”.

He also made losing in 2005 Australian Open less unbearable by crying about being badly injured and “winning a lot”. Self-absorbed like his floons.
Everyone has to give him special treatment when he admits he wanted all opponents to lose early.
Fed and fanboys’ evil, tiresome propaganda is still going on.
He wouldn’t need so many lies to help his legacy if he had true classy opponents back in 2003.

August 14th, 2017 at 3:11 pm

Top story: Halep, Wozniacki Lead Loaded Wuhan Field; Kerber v Keys, Svitolina v Sabalenka Tues.