Alexander Zverev defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic on another huge stage Saturday, topping him 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
The No. 3-ranked German, who defeated Djokovic in the Tokyo Olympics to deny him the chance at the Golden Slam, will meet No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the finals on Sunday.
Medvedev is the defending champion.
Zverev fought off set point in the first set, dropped the second set then broke Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game of the third set to cruise to the win. In doing so, Zverev avenged his loss to Djokovic in the semifinals of the U.S. Open in September and gained his fourth win in their 11 head-to-head matches.
“Every time we play it takes hours,” Zverev said on court after the win. “I have not spent more time on court with anybody other than him this year. I am happy with the win and happy to be in the final here and to give myself the best chance for (Sunday).”
Djokovic was seeking his sixth ATP Finals win, which would have tied Roger Federer for the most all-time.
Medvedev needed just one hour, 20 minutes to defeat Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 6-2. Ruud started the year ranked No. 27 and parlayed five tour wins in 2021 to rise to No. 8 in the rankings.
Medvedev cruised through the group stage unbeaten this week en route to the clash with Ruud.
“I think all the matches were a great level. Different opponents and different styles. I managed to win all the matches. It was not an easy match (Saturday),” he said. “When you are in the final you can’t complain, so I am just looking forward to (Sunday) and hopefully I can have my best match.”
Medvedev was efficient on the day, with just 16 unforced errors to 26 for Ruud. He won 82 percent of points on his first serve.
In their career series, Medvedev leads Zverev 6-5.
–Field Level Media
