Zverev Rolls Past Shapovalov, Will Meet Thiem For Madrid Title

by Staff | May 12th, 2018, 9:38 pm
  • 13 Comments

Dominic Thiem returned to the Madrid final for a second straight year, and this time in search of his first Masters title, he won’t have to face Rafael Nadal. Instead, it will be the German wunderkind Alexander Zverev.

Zverev worked his way past Denis Shapovalov in a what could be a future rivalary. But so far, it’s Zverev with two wins over the Canadian in Masters semifinals, and on Saturday it was 6-4, 6-1.

“It was great. It was a great match,” Zverev said. “Obviously it’s not easy to play Denis. Great player. Great talent. Hopefully he’ll still improve and there are a lot more matches like this in the future.


“I’ve been in this moment before. We’ve played each other in this moment before,” Zverev said. “I’m just happy to be in the final and play for another Masters title.”

Shapovalov had remarkably never won an ATP-level match on clay, and just one in Challengers.

“It’s been an amazing week. Obviously it’s tough to feel positive after a loss,” Shapovalov said. “Getting my first win on the ATP Tour on clay here, making the semifinals of such a big tournament, I could never imagine to do so. I’m very happy. It’s been a huge, huge confidence booster for me.”

Zverev is into his fourth Masters final, he’s already won two of them.

Thiem also had an easy day, besting first-time Masters semifinalist Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-2. It was the Austrian’s first win in seven tries against Anderson.

“I was keeping my level up from yesterday, so that was a great thing,” Thiem said looking back to his win over Nadal. “The way I started was also well. Even though I played really different, I was returning very far back today.

“Yeah, almost everything worked out. To beat him 4 and 2, it’s a very good result.”

Thiem is in his 15th career final, seeking a 10th title, first at the Masters level his runner up in Spain last year.

“To be honest, I thought also myself that I was pretty far away before this week started. Now I’m in the final again, which is amazing for me. Would be definitely nice if I win the title than if I lose tomorrow.”

Thiem leads Zverev 4-1 winning all three on clay. They haven’t played since Zverev entered his 20s.

“We played five times against each other when he was already Top 10, and I was more in the developing stage still. Obviously he’s leading the head-to-head,” Zverev said.

Added Thiem, “A Masters 1000 title would mean a lot to me because it’s obviously really tough to win one.”

If Thiem wins, he will be the fifth first-time Masters champion in the last seven events. Zverev will try to win a third Masters which will make him among active players the most decorated Masters champion outside the Big 4.


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13 Comments for Zverev Rolls Past Shapovalov, Will Meet Thiem For Madrid Title

Margot Says:

Two of my favourite young guns slugging it out at the OK Corral. I’ve booked my seat at a Tombstone hostelry and looking forward to the fight.
Hmmm…young Denis, exciting to watch but coming over as a bit of flashy, impatient dude who needs a bit of tennis acumen, less is often more.


Van Persie Says:

Go Dom tonight!
Played amazing against Rafa and Anderson….and something about Zverev, which does not help me to like him, inspite of his beautiful hair.


Margot Says:

At the OK Corral, Sascha the merciless gunslinger is gunning down The Dominator.


skeezer Says:

Sasha probably is the best mover on the court for the tall guys category. Well deserved win for the Z man.


Margot Says:

Sascha rolls over Dom. Watch out tennis world here comes the future, and its arrived.
So sorry for Dom. Played really poorly, partly down to Pretty Boy of course, but also down to big nerves, I’d guess. Meanwhile PB seems nerveless.
Dom needs to take all our advice and come to the baseline. Had even less chance from way, way back.


Daniel Says:

Zverev mow holds 3 of the last 9 Masters titles: Rome, Canada and Madrid. He defenda rome next week, but even so for 21 yld pretty impressive.

Only time before him translating this resuls to Slams.


Willow Says:

A Rivalry for the future ?, congrats to Sasha, was pulling for Thiem because he beat the KOC, but great week for both ….


Amit Says:

I was also pulling for thiem dear willow.. 😀


RZ Says:

Very disappointed. Really wanted Thiem to win a clay Masters. He’s the only guy to beat Rafa on clay in the last year or so, but almost always seems to have the misfortune of being in the same quarter or half as Rafa on clay.


chofer Says:

RZ

I told you. Zverev was the one to watch after Rafa. He’s already more mature than his peers. He neeeds to show it at Slams, though.


RZ Says:

Chofer, I’m fully aware of Zverev’s talents (outside of slams). He can play on all surfaces. I expect he’ll have a better slam result at the FO.


Humble Rafa Says:

Timmy boy needs to up his standards. Losing to chokemeisters is not going to help if he wants to be my heir.


Humble Rafa Says:

Dear Staff,

Please put me in the trunk and write an article about how my tennis has deteriorated in the last week that I am no longer the favorite for the FO. Please be sure to choose a no-name loser as favorite.

Your curse is a very important part of my success.

Top story: Sinner Swallows Up Zverev For Second Straight Australian Open, 3rd Slam