Zverev Battles Past Nadal To Reach Paris Masters Final v Medvedev

The last two US Open finalists will meet Sunday for the final Masters event of 2020 in Paris.

The indoor event will crown a new champion between either Alexander Zverev or Daniil Medvedev, both first-time finalists.

Medvedev earned his first final of 2020 after easing past Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6(4).

“When you play against Milos, you are always at risk because one time he breaks you, it is very tough to break him back,” said Medvedev. “I knew I had to stay focused. The first set was amazing, I had zero break points to save… and I managed to break him in a good way.

”The second set was much tighter. I had two games where I had to save breaks points and tough points. I managed to break him and I lost my serve. It was shaky here and there, but I am really happy to be through to the final.”

Raonic, who was just 1/7 on break chances, was seeking his second Masters final of the restart. He falls to 0-3 against the Russian.

“In some key moments, he found a way to be a bit more the aggressor. He was dictating a bit more,” said Raonic. “I was trying to change the pace up. But maybe I started to find the rhythm of that a little bit too late.”

Zverev followed collecting just his second win in seven tries against Rafael Nadal, beating the Spaniard 6-4, 7-5 to continue his terrific restart.

The German has won his last 12 and 21 of his last 23. Behind 13 aces, Zverev’s serve was the difference.

“I think I picked up my level at 4-5 down in the second set again and then it all went well,” Zverev said. “I’m happy to be in the final.”

“I had a lot of chances in the second set. I think at 4-2 I had a 0/40 game on his serve, which I didn’t win,” he added. “Those moments, the match can turn around, especially against Rafa. But I think I picked up my level at 4-5 down in the second set again and then it all went well. I’m happy to be in the final.”

Nadal was trying to win his first Paris Masters title.

“It has not been not a bad tournament. I spent hours on court. Of course I wanted to win the tournament, but it’s always difficult,” Nadal said. “But I had the right attitude during the whole event, I think, fighting in every match. That gave me the chance to play four matches that I think will be helpful for London.

“I have been competitive, I have been there until the end against a player who is playing great on a surface that he’s winning a lot,” he continued. “Has been a positive tournament for me. Of course not happy about the loss, but that’s part of the game. I played against a great player, and I accept the defeat.”

Zverev leads Medvedev 5-1 but the Russian’s lone win came in their only final meeting at 2019 Shanghai.

“Experience is a good key,” said Medvedev. “The first Masters final I lost actually very easy to Rafa, and then I won two.

“When you step out for your first Masters 1000 final, you are really tight, your hands are shaking a little bit because you think, ‘Okay, maybe that’s my last opportunity to be in the final of a Masters 1000.’ Then second, third time, the more you get them, the more it becomes easier to handle these emotions. So hopefully this experience can help me tomorrow.”

Medvedev will bid for his third Masters final, Zverev his fourth.