Zverev blows away Tabilo in Rome

Alexander Zverev gave himself a real scare. Long dominated by a wild Alejandro Tabilo, the world No. 5 bided his time. It wasn't all plain sailing, but in the end he held on to his position as favourite for the title, as he is the only member of the top 10 still in the running in Rome (1-6, 7-6, 6-2).

Starting the match on the back foot, the German was initially outplayed by an over-motivated Chilean (6-1) before gradually regaining the upper hand. After a break point midway through the second act, he managed to keep his composure before accelerating at the right moment. Taking advantage of an increasingly slack opponent, Zverev mastered the tiebreak in the second set (7-4), before taking off.

Tabilo, for his part, failed to capitalize on his dazzling start to the match. Gradually losing his footing, he finally suffered his opponent's winning comeback. This week in Rome remains an excellent result for the Chilean, who will enter the world's top 30 next week, when he will be ranked 25th. In any case, he will be a player to avoid in the first week at Roland-Garros.

In the final, Alexander Zverev will meet the winner of the match between Tommy Paul and Nicolas Jarry. A match in which he will be, come what may, the favorite.