Zverev produces a comeback win over Tabilo to earn a spot in the Italian Open final

ROME (AP) — For about an hour, Alexander Zverev had no answer to the rocket-like forehands and perfectly placed drop shots that Alejandro Tabilo kept producing.

The fifth-ranked Zverev kept patient, though, and took his chance when it came as he rallied for a 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory Friday over his unheralded Chilean opponent and a spot in the Italian Open final.

“I was just hanging on the second set. I brought my energy up,” Zverev said. “He hit me off the court in the first set and I didn’t play well at all, but he was a big reason why. He gave me no rhythm.”

Zverev, the 2017 Rome champion, had the pinky on his left hand bandaged following a fall to the clay in his previous match, after which he said his finger was “crooked.” The German plays right-handed but uses a two-handed backhand.

He said his pinky was swollen and that he was using pain killers.

atest comment