Alexander Zverev and John Isner will most likely be battling for a place in the semis of the Nitto ATP Finals when they contest the last round-robin match of the week on Friday afternoon.
Such will be the case if Novak Djokovic takes care of Marin Cilic later that night, but a Cilic upset would bring all kinds of permutations and combinations into the Group A mix.
Whatever the case, Isner knows he must win in straight sets to keep his semifinal hopes alive. Zverev, on the other hand, could advance by taking just one set even if he eventually loses the match. Beating the German in straight sets is something Isner has never done in five previous meetings. That being said, the 6’10” American’s biggest career title came at Zverev’s expense–a 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4 decision earlier this season in the Miami Masters final. Zverev, who is 4-1 in the overall head-to-head series and 2-0 on hard courts, avenged his lone setback with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Isner in the Madrid quarters.
Making his third London appearance at just 21 years old, Zverev got clobbered by Djokovic 6-4, 6-1 on Wednesday but his semifinal chances are alive and well thanks to an opening 7-6(5), 7-6(1) defeat of Cilic. The world No. 5 is a solid 10-5 since the U.S. Open and has advanced to at least the quarterfinals of three consecutive tournaments.
“I haven’t felt my best in like two months, to be honest,” Zverev said while griping about the schedule and being told that Djokovic was feeling less than 100 percent during Wednesday’s match. “The issue is that our season is way too long; that’s the issue. But I’ve said it before. We play for 11 months a year. That’s ridiculous; no other professional sport does that.”
Isner is lucky to still be playing, as he was initially the second alternate for the year-end championship before getting in when both Juan Martin Del Potro and Rafael Nadal withdrew. The 33-year-old is also lucky to still be mathematically alive at the O2 Arena–which he is despite losing to Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 and to Cilic 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.
“It’s very weird to think I’ve lost twice but still have a shot,” Isner noted. “I guess that’s the advantage of having a guy like Novak in your group. I have an objective, for sure. We’ll see if I can do it.”
Based on form, Isner is capable of doing it. Half of the field has not played a bad match yet in London and Isner is part of that quartet (also Djokovic, Cilic, and Kevin Anderson). Although a three-set win may be more likely, the world No. 10 could be able to seal the deal against a struggling Zverev in straights if his serve is at its best during the critical moments.
Pick: Isner in 2
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Zverev in three.
Zverev has complained about the length of the season to the point Tennis Channel Live said something about it today. And it wasn’t positive.
Isner has lost a dear friend, went out and played anyway, lost the match and before he left the court stopped to sign autographs. Isner has already won before he steps on the court.
How we handle life when it comes at us, defines our character. Isner has handled life with grace and win or lose a tennis match tomorrow, I’ll be cheering for him.
If Sasha feels that the season is too long, then why he has chosen to play at Washington, Beijing and then Basel?? He need not play at Basel after playing at Beijing, that way he would’ve one more week of rest.
He was already well on his way to qualify for London, with or without Basel. It’s more of his own poor scheduling, wanting to play everything resulting in him playing poorly at London.
Zverev is just talking crap coz he lost. He played at a high level 1st set against Djokovic. End of the day he will win from his skill, returning and coaching.
He probably will, but after reading the Benneteau radio interview last week I hope Federer NEVER wins another match! He will, but some day he won’t and tennis will once again see fair play and sportsmanship. Maybe. Meanwhile I’m thinking it’s not a coincidence that Rafa got the Stefan Edberg award this year. Maybe the players are afraid to speak up but they may have found that much spine.
OMG I can’t stand Zverev! I hope Fed pulverises him!!
Now,if I said the same about Fed and Nadal…
Is it just me, or does it often seem that Isner lacks concentration during matches?