Alexander Zverev consolidated his marathon status on Saturday at the Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open. The top seed won its first ever ATP Tour title this season, winning its third consecutive three-seater and beating two match points against a determined Nicolas Jarry with 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8).
“It was a very difficult game. He plays aggressively, big portion and beats everything he can “said Zverev.” I thought that I was in control until the rain came, but I am happy to find a way. I felt like it could have gone both ways. “
The German had fought for the shape since he finished second in Acapulco in March (lst to Kyrgios). Zverev arrived in Geneva with a 6-8 record in his last eight tournaments, including losing to Jarry last month at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, wasting a match ball. He now has 11 ATP Tour titles, all in less than three years.
“If I’m good at playing, I’m not worried about titles. I know that I can be one of the best players in the world when I find my rhythm, “said Zverev. “This week definitely helped.”
Zverev also survived three-set bouts this week against Bolivian Hugo Dellien and Argentinian Federico Delbonis to reach the final, but the extra on-court time helped his game. He scored 41 aces this week, including 35 in his last three games. Zverev led the tournament with won return points (38%, 100 out of 263).
Jarry has reached the Geneva finals without dropping. He entered the final on Saturday and led the tournament with second place points won (67%, 54 out of 81), service games won (95%, 37 out of 39) and saved break points (78%, 7 out of 9). The 23-year-old is still looking for his first ATP Tour title, with also finished runner-up last year in Sao Paulo (lst bis Fognini).
“I do not have the words to talk about it, I did my best, had some chances and fought to the very last point, it did not go in my direction,” Jarry said. “I just have to keep fighting and give myself the chance to fight for another title.”
The match seemed to be firmly in Zverev’s hands at the beginning. He took the lead 3-0 and took the opening set before Rain interrupted the duel and led Zverev 6: 3 and 0: 1.
The game continued after 90 minutes and Jarry came out of the gate first. A backhand mistake by Zverev made the Chilean take the lead in the second set 4-2. A second rain delay took place, however, immediately after Jarry in the next game. After another long suspension, Jarry retained his advantage to send the match into a decisive set.
Both players exchanged service holds to force a third set tie. A few groundstroke errors from Jarry gave Zverev a 3/0 lead and the top seed drove that momentum to a 6/3 advantage. Jarry refused to budge and secured the first championship spot with a winner in stretch backhand volleyball. He followed with a forehand winner and a forehand volley winner to equalize the result at 6/6.
A double mistake from Zverev gave Jarry his first championship point at 7/6, but the Chilean hit a routine volley in the net. Another championship point came and went at 8/7 when Jarry missed a forehand. Zverev secured a difficult backhand pass with 8/8 and claimed a fourth championship point. When Jarry hit a forehand and dropped to his knees, Zverev triumphantly raised his arms as he packed the win in two hours and 36 minutes.
Zverev collected 250 ATP leaderboard points and € 90,390 for his week. Jarry earned 150 ATP leaderboard points and 48,870 €.
Both players now turn to Roland Garros. Fifth seeded Zverev starts his season against Australian John Millman, while Jarry faces a challenging opener against Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro with eight starters.
