After Day 11, the men’s singles Final Four draw has also been finalised for Day 13 throughout tomorrow at least in the daytime ahead of Sunday’s final day – with Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz for semis No.1 as well as Alexander Zverev & Casper Ruud in the 2nd semis tie. Zverev & Tomas Martin Etcheverry both players shared the lead at 1-1 before Zverev went on to win the final two sets, even though it wasn’t easy (6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4). Then we saw another thrilling contest to close the Final 8 bracket where Holger Rune won the 3rd set after being easily blown away during the first half. But then couldn’t stop Ruud all along despite trying to stay in contention as of late (1-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3).
Etcheverry never gave Zverev an easy run, having kept a close eye on him who is about as tall as his opponent. He did well to share the lead at 1-1 apiece but just didn’t have the 2nd half momentum & execution to hold him back further in his tracks. Meanwhile, Zverev was so aware of Etcheverry’s game who got away with the opening set lead before he was held back after the 2nd set loss. But he replied really well to maintain his top spot position before things starting to be easier going into the fourth set & he has nailed it towards the end without any rush thanks to that winning advantage he’s got there.
Then Holger Rune came from behind to stop Ruud from wrapping up in straight sets while continuing to stay in this fight in the hope of a 5th set decider & finish it off his way But it doesn’t mean he can stop Ruud for the whole match itself where his 1st half display wasn’t good from the start before Rune did the best he can to hang & it was simply too much to grasp with loads of pressure for him. And Ruud really had the best start and 1st half momentum where he was way ahead of Rune. Yes, he had to be wary of Rune’s 2nd half resurgence, but took his time well to find his way out unscathed for the win.
