Alexander Zverev ended his four-match losing streak against Daniil Medvedev at the Cincinnati Masters and would later reveal the key to his victory.
At the start of this season, Medvedev and Zverev were tied at 6-6 in their head-to-head on the ATP Tour. But with the German only just getting back from a gruesome ankle injury, he played catchup in this rivalry. Medvedev seized control and won three encounters this season to lead 9-6.
And on Thursday afternoon, it looked like the Russian World No. 3 had a mental edge over Zverev having won some close three-setters earlier this season. Except that Zverev did some homework this time and came prepared for the test which included outsourcing tips from World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
The young Spaniard appears to have Medvedev's number of late and Zverev spent some quality time with Alcaraz in Canada on a golf course where he admitted to getting the perfect game plan to beat Medvedev. On the evidence of Thursday's performance and result, it worked.
"I played golf with Carlos Alcaraz last week in Toronto. He gave me a very good game plan against him actually. I asked him a few questions, that was quite helpful. At the end of the day, I did what t I had to do, I kinda fought it out and I am happy sitting here as the winner."
Zverev had to be patient to overcome the psychological barrier that Medvedev had established over him. He saved two crucial break points on his serve at 3-4 in the deciding set before going on to earn the decisive break for a 5-4 lead in the next game.
"I tried to be patient and you just have to take your chances, your opportunities. You are not going to get many because we were both serving quite well. I lost three very tight matches earlier this year, so I am pleased to have finally won one today."
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