ATP Finals: Alexander Zverev after beating Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals against Novak Djokovic

Zverev made a dream start and immediately took Hurkacz’s first service game from him. Not even ten minutes had been played, and thanks to a double break it was already 3-0 for the 24-year-old.

“He’s more stable on the backhand and does more over the forehand. Everything fits,” said three-time Davis Cup winner Patrik Kühnen, who accompanied the game as a TV expert for “Sky”.

Hurkacz, whose constitution had been a question mark after the defeat against Jannik Sinner, didn’t get a foot on the ground in the first set.

After 26 minutes, Zverev brought the game through to 6-2. The numbers spoke volumes: The favorite was leading the winners by 12: 4, but Hurkacz made three times as many unforced errors (9: 3).

Hurkacz with a clear increase in set two

The Pole reacted to the lack of chances and found his way into the game better with the now significantly improved service game.

In service, Hurkacz managed to determine the rallies himself, which was immediately reflected on the results board. Up to the score of 4: 4 everything was open in the second set.

And the world number ninth also dared to do more with the return. Hurkacz was still in the field and especially built up pressure when Zverev had to go over the second serve.

The Olympic champion stayed cool, broke the Poles in the ninth game to make it 5: 4 – and served the match home after 62 minutes. This is the third time that the Hamburger is in the semifinals of the ATP Finals.

Zverev hot for a showdown with Djokovic

“In the semifinals against number one in the world, it won’t be easy, of course, but I’m looking forward to it,” said Zverev, who is 7-3 behind in a direct comparison with the Serbs.

“It was definitely one of my most emotional victories,” noted Zverev in an exclusive interview with Eurosport then of course. If these aren’t good omens …

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