“Public always wants the underdog to win, but…,” Alexander Zverev credits Italian Open crowd for his semifinal win against Alejandro Tabilo

Zverev would be hoping to win the Rome Masters for the second time on Sunday.

“Public always wants the underdog to win, but…,” Alexander Zverev credits Italian Open crowd for his semifinal win against Alejandro Tabilo

Alexander Zverev and Alejandro Tabilo (Via Imago)

Former Rome champion Alexander Zverev credited the Italian crowd as an X-factor in his comeback win over Alejandro Tabilo. The German aims for his second Rome Masters title following his victory in 2017.

Talking to the media, Zverev credited Tabilo’s sensational run in Rome; the left-hander was enjoying an eight-match winning streak going into the semi-finals. However, the German also gave his flowers to the Italian crowd, who stayed with him when he was down in the score, giving him the extra push he needed.

For most of the match, it seemed Tabilo would win, but Zverev stayed resilient and eventually turned the match around. The left-hander reached his first ATP Masters Series 1000 semi-final, notably after overcoming Novak Djokovic and Karen Khachanov in the process.

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I would say Italy is one of the three countries where I receive the most support. I really feel Italian when I play here. I feel a lot of support, a lot of love and energy from people all the time, even today. Normally the public always wants the underdog to do well, to win, but I felt that they supported me a lot and that helps. The Italian crowd is crazy and I love it. I like it when they're loud, and when they're in your favor it's even better. I wouldn't replace Jannik, but maybe for this week, if they see can it like that, I'm happy about that.
Alexander Zverev said after his victory in the Rome semi-finals

Considering how open the field is at Roland Garros, with most of the favorites either injured or out of form, a title in Rome would position the German among the top contenders. He has reached the semi-finals in Paris for the past three years.

Zverev will face either Nicolas Jarry or Tommy Paul for the title. This will be his sixth Masters Series 1000 final on clay, having previously reached three finals in Madrid and two in Rome.

Alexander Zverev officially back to being a contender on the ATP circuit

It has been a challenging journey for Alexander Zverev to regain his status as a contender for the big titles. Just two years ago at Roland Garros, he believed he played the best tennis of his life. However, a devastating foot injury during the semi-final against Rafael Nadal sidelined him for the rest of the year.

Alexander Zverev clay
Alexander Zverev in action (Via Imago)

Although he returned to the tennis circuit in 2023, his results were mostly inconsistent. His best performances included semi-final appearances at the French Open and Cincinnati.

The two-time World Tour Finals winner reached the semi-finals at this year’s Australian Open and had a two-set lead over Daniil Medvedev. However, the Russian won the last three sets to break his heart. He subsequently lost in the semi-finals in Los Cabos and Miami. With his semi-final curse broken in Rome, he hopes to return to the winner’s circle.

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