Surprisingly clearly missed the first title of the year!
Alexander Zverev (24) lost the final of the ATP tournament in Montpellier, France, against Kazakh Alexander Bublik (24) after just 69 minutes 4: 6, 3: 6.
Around two weeks after his disappointing knockout round at the Australia Open, the Olympic champion was never able to build on his previously strong performances in the final. On the way to his 20th title on the tour, Zverev had just given up 13 games and defeated his opponents in quick succession.
But Zverev looked tired and made too many mistakes overall. The support of girlfriend Sophia Thomalla (32) in the stands didn’t help either.
The third in the world rankings, who won the tournament in Montpellier in 2017, said after the game: “You played incredibly well today and all week and you are the deserved winner. I still had a good time here.”
And further: “I hope that one day I can win this title again.”
Photo: Pascal Guyot/dpa
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/alexander-zverev-l–und-turniersieger-alexander-bublik-at-the-victory-ceremony-mit-einer-schicken-tro-66e6c2faaf2f4396add3505892acd355 -79063120/image/3.image.jpg”/> Alexander Zverev (left) and tournament winner Alexander Bublik at the award ceremony with a fancy trophyPhoto: Pascal Guyot/dpa
In set one, Zverev quickly made up for a loss of serve when the score was 2: 3. But shortly afterwards he gave up his service again to make it 4:5 – and Bublik was able to get the first round after just 37 minutes.
Zverev found no means against number 35 in the world in the second set either. Instead, he conceded a break to make it 2:3 before giving up his last service game to make it 3:6 to zero.
Bublik celebrated his first win against a top five player in just over an hour while celebrating his first Tour title. Zverev, on the other hand, sat on his bench with a blank look, deeply disappointed.
For Zverev, the tournament in Acapulco, Mexico, will probably not continue until the end of February. Zverev won there last year.
In March, the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami (USA) are on the agenda.
