Zverev Wins 21st Career Title, Overcomes Safiullin In Chengdu

Alexander Zverev defeated Roman Safiullin 6-7(2-7), 7-6(7-5), 6-3 to claim the Chengdu title Tuesday in China.

The top-seeded Zverev hit 10 aces, was broken once and lost just five total points on serve in the final set.

Safiullin, playing in his first ATP final, had a break chance early in the second but never saw another. The 26-year-old was multiple times within two points of the title.

“He’s playing the best tennis of his life for sure,” said Zverev of Safiullin. “The way he was winning this week, I think he beat a lot of great players quite easily, so I knew that he was playing well. Obviously, I’m happy to be able to come back and to win this title.”

Zverev collects his second title of the season and 21st of his career. And after missing the last seven months of 2022, he’s poised to return to the ATP Finals.