Alexander Zverev says he expects an 'extremely tough' Madrid Open final against Carlos Alcaraz

Alexander Zverev says he expects an «extremely tough» match against Carlos Alcaraz after sealing an engrossing three-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the Madrid Open final. Zverev, the defending champion, was once more in his element at the Caja Magica, losing just 16 points on his own serve to come through 6-4 3-6 6-2 and set up a much-anticipated final against the 19-year-old Alcaraz.

Ad/> Alcaraz came through his semi-final with a momentous win over Novak Djokovic, having also downed Rafa Nadal in the quarters — the first time anyone had ever beaten those two totems of the sport on clay back-to-back. ATP MadridAlcaraz backs up Nadal win to take down Djokovic and book place in Madrid Open final18 HOURS AGO Zverev said: «I thought from yesterday [Friday] onwards I started to play really well.

»I'm just extremely happy to be in the final here. I know it's going to be an extremely tough match but I hope I can manage to play my best and give myself a chance." Zverev — bar a late wobble on serve — had been just as impressive in his straight-sets quarter-final victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime, but seemed to try and play down any notion of him being the favourite for Sunday's final, despite holding a 2-0 record in his head-to-head with Alcaraz.

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