Zverev Tames Fils and Keeps His Hopes of a Rome Double Alive
One of the standout matches in the Round of 16 at this Rome Masters 1000 pitted Alexander Zverev against Arthur Fils. This was their sixth meeting (with the German leading 3-2 before today's match) and their third on clay (tied 1-1 on the surface).
As the defending champion and world No. 2, Zverev knew he had to raise his level to keep his title defense alive.
After his victories against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (6-2, 6-1) and Vilius Gaubas (6-4, 6-0), Zverev faced the Frenchman in an attempt to reach the quarterfinals.
The first set was tightly contested, with both players exchanging blows. Fils trailed 4-1 before leveling the score, but Zverev proved unshakable in the tiebreak, winning it 7-3.
The second set, however, was one-sided. Zverev cruised to victory, backed by strong serving stats (8 aces, 0 double faults, and 5 break points saved out of 7).
Fils, too inconsistent (22 winners to 35 unforced errors), eventually succumbed. Zverev avenged his loss to the Frenchman, who had eliminated him earlier in the season in Miami.
The German, still in contention for a Rome double, will now face Lorenzo Musetti for a spot in the semifinals.
The Italian had earlier defeated Daniil Medvedev (7-5, 6-4) in a rain-interrupted match but withdrew from the doubles tournament due to a right arm injury.
