Zverev wins the Madrid Masters after beating both Nadal and Thiem on the way to the final and Berrettini in a hard-fought final.
It is Zverev’s 15th ATP tour title, 4th Masters title, and second Madrid Masters title (2017). The conditions at the Caja Magica really seem to gel well with his solid baseline game and powerful serving. Berrettini had a great tournament too, but in the final, it was Zverev’s defensive and consistent style that prevailed over the Italian’s more flashy and powerful tennis. Perhaps it was mainly nerves in the end because Berrettini’s decision-making did worsen at some important junctions in the match and he often over-employed the drop shots in situations where he needed to be more patient.
So Zverev wins the Madrid Masters, what does it mean for the upcoming tournaments at the Rome Open and Roland Garros? Is Zverev a contender?
Where is Zverev’s place in the rankings?
Zverev was hyped up to be “the next big thing” a while back, but lately, most of the media coverage due has been focused on coach-changing, harassment charges, making his now model ex-girlfriend pregnant and less flattering and positive things. His style is not the most appetizing to watch in comparison to players like Musetti, Sinner, Alcaraz, Tsitsipas and so on, but it is efficient. Mentally he is one of the stronger players besides the big three and despite periods of poor results and a double-faulting disaster, he is producing consistent results.
He is 6th in the ATP Tour singles rankings and handles both hard courts and clay courts well. I’m more doubtful about his chances to be successful on grass, considering how far back he likes to hang out and defend. Is he a threat the French Open though? Well, why not? He is definitely “a sleeper” in the draw. A player that people might not pay much attention to, but who quietly does his business and moves through the draw.
If we look at the odds, one of the largest bookmakers gives him 15 times your money to win. Rafa is at 1.90, Djokovic is at 5, Thiem is at 7, Tsitsipas at 8, Federer at 21, and Medvedev, Rublev and Sinner at 26 times the bet.
It’s hard not to pick Rafa, even though he hasn’t looked his best so far, but if Rafa doesn’t win, the field feels quite open.
Who do you pick to win the French Open and what do you think of Zverev’s chances?
