Alexander Zverev is set for an exciting final in Stuttgart, where he faces his long-time rival, Taylor Fritz. After a recent trip to Mallorca for golf and a visit to the Stuttgart Zoo, the German player feels prepared to pursue his 25th title at the prestigious grass court tournament. Notably, a local player has not won the Stuttgart event since Michael Stich claimed victory in 1991.
To secure the title on Sunday at noon (DF1), Zverev must break his losing streak against Fritz, having suffered four consecutive defeats to the American top-ten player last year. In a tense semi-final match, Zverev triumphed over Ben Shelton, winning 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (7-1) and showcasing his strong service game.
Zverev views this tournament as crucial preparation for Wimbledon, which takes place from June 30 to July 13. He commented that he used the days leading up to the final for further training, aiming to make this a stepping stone towards his first Grand Slam trophy following a quarterfinal exit at the French Open.
With his spirits high, Zverev lightheartedly mentioned after the semi-final that he might take a relaxing break, perhaps opting to unwind in the pool. His enjoyment was palpable when he reflected on spending time at the zoo with his family, which seems to have positively impacted his focus on tennis.
As the final approaches, wet weather could be a concern, prompting organizers to schedule the match earlier in the day. Fritz, currently ranked seventh in the world and seeded second in Stuttgart, reached the final after defeating Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).
As Zverev prepares to face Fritz, he hopes to turn his fortunes around in their next encounter, turning the page on past losses. The final promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented players.