Alexander Zverev Defies Diego Schwartzman’s Statement, Sweeps Aside Him at ATP Cologne

It was the finale of the Bett1Hulks Championship, popularly known as the ATP Cologne 2. World No.7 Alexander Zverev was up against World No.9 Diego Schwartzman. In the battle between 2 young and promising players, it was the former who managed to keep his calm and emerge victorious.

In a match that looked like a one-sided contest, Zverev thrashed Schwartzman in straight sets, winning the match 6-2, 6-1.

Zverev had the home advantage. The US Open 2020 runner up was coming straight after winning the ATP Cologne 1, and had the momentum on his side.

Although Schwartzman challenged him with some exceptional forehands and serves in the initial part of the match, he was able to defend them all successfully.

There was a lot of heat before the match. The World No.9 Schwartzman made some stunning claims before the finals.

“He is the undefeated man [in Cologne] so far. Maybe tomorrow is the first match he is going to lose,” said Schwartzman.

Zverev did not respond to the statement back then. However, he answered in the finals via his phenomenal gameplay.

Set-1: Sheer Dominance of Alexander Zverev

Serving first, Schwartzman began the match, winning 3 consecutive points. Zverev had no answers for his powerful serves.

He didn’t waste any more time and won the first game of the match. Ite looked as if he wanted to finish the match quickly. However, Zverev gave it back to him in the very next game to level the scoreline at 1-1.

Schwartzman was in a different mood. He didn’t let Zverev gain momentum and with the help of a strong forehand winner, earned his lead back.

The fourth game ended after 2 deuces with Zverev equalizing it again at 2-2. The German showed some athletism when he took a huge leap to return the ball with an overhead volley.

This time, the World No.7 did not let the momentum go away. He broke in the next game, taking the lead for the first time. It was 3-2 with Schwartzman trailing.

The German didn’t stop here and saved a break-point in the next game. While he was playing very well under pressure, the Argentine was committing too many unforced errors.

It was 4-2. In the next game, it was Schwartzman who saved 2 break-points. He was trying all his weapons but Zverev was not in a mood to give up. He fought till the end and broke again, and was now just 1 game away from winning the first set in the finals.

Serving for the set, Zverev lost the first point. However, Schwartzman was the one in pressure as the match was going far away from him.

He tried hard but it was too late. The German struck some amazing forehand winners which left Schwartzman clueless. He ultimately won the 38-minute long set 6-2 by hitting an amazing ace.

Set-2: The hegemony of Zverev continues

Serving first, it was a do or die set for Schwartzman. He had to win it at all costs in order to survive.

The intent was clear and he managed to save a break-point. However, he could not capitalize on his first advantage. The game ultimately ended in favour of the Argentine after witnessing 3 deuces.

But, Zverev was in a different form tonight. He soon equalized the scoreline at 1-1, this time with a beautiful backhand drop.

He took the control in his hand once again after this. He broke in the third game to take the lead at 3-1. Schwartzman was just witnessing the greatness of the 23-year-old, who won the next game by winning 4 straight points. It was 3-1.

Fans saw some terrific gameplay by Zverev. It was not as if Schwartzman was doing anything wrong; Zverev was just winning them all. He broke again in the fifth game to further widen the margin at 4-1.

Zverev was looking to end this match quickly and won the next game too. The lead was now at 5-1.

Schwartzman was serving to save the match now. But, it was too late. Zverev soon won his first match-point and ended the match by winning it. The final scoreline was 6-2, 6-1 in favor of the relentless German.