Alexander Zverev finally got the unique ingredient he needed at the Cincinnati Masters. Zverev had few distractions in his previous match, but this time, he broke the jinx against Daniil Medvedev. Zverev has entered the quarterfinal for the second time at Cincinnati. He revealed that Carlos Alcaraz had slipped him a few tips on beating Medvedev, which helped him in the match.
Alcaraz has faced Medvedev thrice and won the last two matches in straight sets. The Spaniard had gone golfing with Zverev before the start of the event. Zverev not only managed to beat Alcaraz at golf but also received quality tips from him on beating the Russian. Alcaraz told him to play slowly and also answered doubts from the German.
Alexander Zverev says Carlos Alcaraz gave him tips to beat Daniil Medvedev:
Zverev: “I played golf with Carlos Alcaraz last week in Toronto. He gave me a very good game plan against him actually.” 😂
(via @TennisChannel @PrakashAmritraj) pic.twitter.com/er3tma3X4T
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 17, 2023
Zverev is also playing doubles this time alongside Marcelo Melo, and the pair has now reached the quarterfinals. The 26-year-old reached the quarterfinal stage in doubles for the first time since April 2022.
Zverev seems to be in good form, and his confidence must have indeed gone up after defeating Medvedev. He is only three wins away from registering forty victories this season.
Alexander Zverev plays the perfect melody to defeat Daniil Medvedev
Zverev has played Medvedev sixteen times over the past seven years. Medvedev had the upper hand before the match due to his current form and history against Zverev. The world No.3 had only lost four matches on hardcourts this year and registered his earliest defeat at Cincinnati in five years. Medvedev was utterly beaten as he looked out of place while rallying with Zverev.
Zverev was gifted an early break in the first set as Medvedev hit his fourth double fault to lose the game in 57 seconds. The world No.17 quickly took the set but was paid back in the second set.
Medvedev took the lesson from the first set and worked on his serve and break Zverev twice to take the set. The match was even, but Zverev played the perfect mix of tennis that could not be beaten.
Zverev hit 12 winners and committed one unforced error in the final set. He was winning points from the baseline and pocketed twelve out of fourteen points at the net. Zverev defeated Medvedev 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 34 minutes.
Medvedev fell under pressure as he could not handle the all-round game from Zverev. The 2021 Cincinnati winner has found his melody and will play it at the right time in his next match.