After three consecutive losses, Alexander Zverev found a way to defeat Lorenzo Musetti in the Vienna Open semi-final. The German earned a 6-4, 7-5 victory in an hour and 32 minutes for a place in the title clash.
The 28-year-old advanced to his 40th ATP final, becoming the third active player to achieve that after Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. Zverev will chase his second title of the season against Jannik Sinner.
World no. 3 served at 83% and faced no break points. He kept the pressure on the other side and broke the Italian once in each set to remain on the title course.
Alexander outplayed Lorenzo in service winners and at the net, attacking more than his rival, who erased the deficit a bit from the baseline. They stayed neck and neck in the mid-range and most extended exchanges.
Zverev had the upper hand in the quickest ones up to four strokes and sealed his victory in that segment. They served well early on and reach 3-3 in 22 minutes.
The German stepped in on the return in the seventh game and drew Musetti's error for a break and a 4-3 lead. The better-ranked player held at love in game eight with a service winner and served for the opener at 5-4.
Alexander attacked and held at 15 with a smash winner for 6-4 in 40 minutes. They needed little time to reach 3-3 in the second set before Lorenzo closed the seventh game after a couple of deuces.
They served well in the upcoming games before Zverev stepped in on the return at 5-5. He drew the Italian's mistake for a break chance and covered the court nicely to steal the rival's serve and move 6-5 in front.
Zverev served for the win in game 12 and landed an ace to emerge at the top and arrange the title clash against Jannik Sinner.
