Zverev Ousts Fils In Hamburg, Reaches First ATP Final In Over A Year, Will Meet Djere

It’s been a long road back for Alexander Zverev. Today, the German returned to his first final since injury his right ankle at the French Open last year, defeating French teen Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to make the Hamburg final.

The 26-year-old German was dominant in the win, never dropping serve while breaking the 19-year-old three times including to start each set.

Fils had upset Casper Ruud yesterday to reach his fourth ATP semifinal.

“I knew that me and Casper have very different gamestyles,” Zverev told the ATP. “Casper plays with a lot more spin and a lot higher, something that Arthur maybe likes. I knew that I had to take the time away, I knew that I had to play a lot quicker and a lot flatter in a way. I did that well today, I feel like.”

In the final, Zverev will seek his 20th career title — first since the year-end 2021 ATP Finals — against Laslo djere. The 28-year-old from Serbia eased past Zhizhen Zhang 6-3, 6-2.

“I’m extremely happy the way I played. Everything went my way today,” Djere said to the ATP. “I think this was my best match this year, at least on the clay. I didn’t give much chance to him today, luckily for me. He’s a great player, he has a huge serve. I also surprised myself a bit today, how I played.”

Djere makes his 5th career final. He is seeking his 3rd career title, first title since 2020 Sardinia (d Cecchinato). Zhang was hoping to reach his 1st career final.

“I will try to look at the final as any other match,” said Djere. “I think that is key, not to make a big deal out of it. Obviously, there is a lot at stake, and the nerves might kick in at some point, but I think the key will be to stay calm and focused and relax like in [my previous] matches. Hopefully I will be able to manage it.”

Zverev has won both tour-level meetings with Djere, most recently at the 2021 French Open third round.

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