By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 21, 2024
Arthur Fils saved 21 of 22 break points and battled past defending champion Alexander Zverev for his maiden ATP 500 title in Hamburg.
Photo Source: TTV
Arthur Fils had his back against the wall for much of Sunday’s Hamburg Open final against Alexander Zverev, but the 20-year-old refused to wilt under the extreme pressure that the defending champ put him under.
It all paid off brilliantly in the end as the 20-year-old Frenchman saved 21 of 22 break points to come through a three hour and 33-minute thriller, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1).
Fils, who entered the week at a career-high ranking of 28, will make his Top-20 debut in Monday’s ATP rankings as a result of his resilient effort. He also improves to 4-6 against the Top-10 and matches his best career win by ranking by denying the World No.4 what would have been his 23rd ATP title.
Fils is just the third Hamburg champion under the age of 21 this century, joining Roger Federer (20, 2002) and Lorenzo Musetti (20, 2022).
“I’m really happy about the way I played, during three and a half hours,” Fils said on court after earning his biggest career title and first over Zverev in three tries.
It was a testy affair that featured some abrasive moments late in the third set as rain poured down on the Centre Court roof. Fils tried an underarm serve while facing a break point at 5-all, 30-40, and while the serve itself was ruled out, Fils then saved the break point with his second serve, as Zverev missed his backhand return wide.
Another break point saved, Fils gestured to the crowd, pointing to his right ear, which drew a chorus of boos from the German fans.
A few points later, a frustrated Zverev and Fils had words at the changeover after the Frenchman held for 6-5.
Minutes later, after a flawless tiebreak, Fils claimed the title.
The post-match handshake was rather frosty as well, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Fils.
“I think I did everything to win this match,” he said. “I got cramps at 5-all on serve, I’m cramping, trying an underarm serve because I cannot serve. Crowd took it badly – I don’t care, I’m winning, and that’s it.”
The Frenchman wanted to make it clear that he had nothing against Zverev, and eventually the pair seemed to warm up to each other during the award ceremony.
“Well done, great week, you deserve the title, enjoy the moment,” Zverev said.
“Sascha is such a great champion,” Fils said. “Playing unbelievable tennis at the start of the year, reaching the final at the French Open. I knew from the start that he was not going to be easy. First set I was taking care of it. I think I had a little bit of luck, but playing great. Second set he managed to play better than me and raise his level.”
The victory is a testament to Fils as a fighter, not just as a talent.
He hit 39 winners to 24 from Zverev as he took the play to the World No.4 despite the constant pressure he faced. Fils hit 58 unforced errors while Zverev hit 39.
Zverev looked to be in the driver’s seat after finally breaking through on his 17th break point of the match for 4-2 in the middle set.
He carried momentum into the third but Fils stood tall, saving all five break points he faced in the decider.
“When we closed the roof I knew it was going to be like a dogfight,” Fils said. “Just have to fight until the last ball. I think I’ve been practicing for a long time for this kind of tennis.”