Taylor Fritz defeats Alexander Zverev to secure Halle Open final spot
Taylor Fritz has reached his second consecutive grass-court final by battling back to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-5 at the Halle Open.
Scorching temperatures visibly affected the world number three, who required medical attention during the gruelling encounter.
The hard-fought win halted an impressive 10-match winning streak for the German, following his recent deep run at the French Open.
The 26-year-old Californian maintained his composure to secure a seventh successive victory over his higher-ranked rival.
Fritz sets up all-American showpiece
The resilient victor will now face compatriot Frances Tiafoe to decide the tournament.
Tiafoe comfortably dispatched home favourite Daniel Altmaier 6-1 6-3 to book his place in the title decider.
Fritz acknowledged the challenging conditions that hampered his semi-final counterpart.
“I felt he was struggling with something, I’m not sure what it was – presumably how insanely hot it was,” Fritz said.
“I felt better than he did, so that was what I needed to tell myself to go to work.”
Queen’s Club final awaits Paul
Meanwhile, at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, Tommy Paul advanced to another prestigious grass-court final.
The American secured a commanding 6-3 6-3 victory over French opponent Ugo Humbert.
This triumph marks a fourth ATP Tour final appearance of the year for the dynamic right-hander.
“I’m super pumped to be playing the level of tennis that I have been this year, but only one title, though, so I’ve got to get a win tomorrow,” he said.
Cerundolo shows immense endurance
Paul will face seventh seed Francisco Cerundolo after the Argentine battled past Brandon Nakashima 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4.
Cerundolo has demonstrated remarkable stamina this week, surviving deciding sets in three of his four matches.
“The whole week I am fighting from the first point until the end,” the Argentine added.
“But if you leave everything on court you are happy because it is the most you can do.”
