I knew it would be a dog fight, Arthur Fils credits Alexander Zverev after a three-set triumph

Arthur Fils won his career-best title in Hamburg after beating Alexander Zverev in a drama-filled match. The Frenchman fought against an in-form player in a three-hour thriller to win in Hamburg. 

The three hours had a lot of intense situations with too much drama. While the tennis was exemplary of the Frenchman, he played some cheeky shots that cost him a few points. Despite that, Fils saved 21 out of 22 break points. 

Throughout the match, Fils kept on putting pressure on his opponent. The 20-year-old is an aggressive player, who used that style of gameplay to his advantage against Zverev. Despite losing the second set, he was on top in the third set, fighting for every breakpoint while saving himself. 

In the end, he saved break points at 4-4 and 5-5 in the third set before showing his brilliance in the tie-break. In the tie-break, Zverev did not stand a chance against the Frenchman as he only got one point to lose the match 3-6, 6-3, 6(1)-7.

When they closed the roof, I knew it would be a dog fight. I just had to fight til the last ball. I’ve been practicing for a long time for these kind of moments.

This was the Frenchman’s biggest title win of his career. He showed his class at Wimbledon, where he made it to the fourth round and then lost to Alex De Minaur in a tough match. Continuing the same form, Fils got through his draw at Hamburg pretty easily. 

Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils row during their Finals at Hamburg

The final match at the Hamburg Open between Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils was nothing less than a movie. It had all kinds of drama in it, including a part of conflict where the two players had a spat on the court. 

Fils tried to serve underarm in one game of the final set. It was called in but was later called out by the chair umpire on further checking. The crowd and Zverev were unhappy with this new technique of Fils, and so the Frenchman walked up to Zverev to have a word. 

Arthur Fils and Alexander Zverev having a word at the changeover.

A lot of drama in this last game.

Arthur tried hitting an underarm serve that was called in, but upon further review, it was out.

The crowd started applauding Arthur’s missed serves.

A few points later,… pic.twitter.com/wmHEsRtE1h

The argument got heated, and the umpire had to call it out. Fils went on to win the match in three sets, becoming the third Hamburg champion under the age of 21. 

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