All-German final in Halle
June 18, 2016
Alexander Zverev's victory over Roger Federer has confirmed he will face Florian Mayer in an all-German final at the Gerry Weber Open on Sunday.
Zverev overcame the eight-time champion 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-3 to add further anguish to the 34-year-old, who was also beaten last weekend in Stuttgart on grass by Dominic Thiem.
Coincidentally, it was Thiem who offered stiff opposition for Meyer in the other semifinal clash, before ultimately losing 6-3, 6-4. Meyer, ranked 192nd ahead of the competition, was widely expected to go out to the world No. 7.
"It's unbelievable to get a win against Roger, especially on grass. I'm playing well, but he's the best player ever on this surface,” admitted 19-year-old Zverev after the surprise win.
"Right now, I can't take this all in. I could not have imagined this victory yesterday. It's nice to win this match going into Wimbledon and obviously (reaching) the final here as well. Don't forget that is also a very big match for me. We'll see what happens tomorrow but I'm happy with my performance today."
Sunday's clash will be Mayer's sixth final, but his first in five years as he hopes to pick up his second ATP title since victory in Bucharest in September 2011. Should Zverev win it will be the first career title of his fledgling career.