Medvedev fights back to win Paris title over Zverev in three sets

On Sunday, Alexander Zverev looked well on his way to the ATP Masters 1000 title in Paris, but when Daniil Medvedev sunk his teeth into the match, he never let go. From 3-4 down in the second set, Medvedev won nine of the next 10 games to win, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1.

"It's great, I'm really happy," Medevedv said. "As I alway say I don't celebrate after the match, but I'm really happy to win matches. Before the tournament I was not in my best form, playing not so bad but zero titles in 2020."

He added that ahead of Bercy, he was "crying" or complaining to his wife about how poor his 2020 season has been since he hadn't reached a final in nine events.

While Medvedev was seeded one spot higher at No. 3, Zverev came into the showdown on a 12-match win streak having just won two titles in Cologne, Germany. Zverev also had a 5-1 head-to-head record against Medvedev, though they hadn't faced off since the ATP Finals in 2019.

The two traded breaks in the first set until 5-5, when Zverev pulled ahead. It was similar in the second set, except Zverev faltered and lost his grip on holding serve at 4-4. Instead of resetting in the third set, the 23-year-old lost his serve to open it. He'd then quickly go down 3-0 with Medvedev saving four break points in his own service game, one with a wild second serve-and-volley.

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Medvedev ran away with the match by doing what he does best: relentlessly putting more balls in the court and keeping his opponent on his toes. It marks the 24-year-old's eighth career title and third ATP Masters 1000 after winning both Cincinnati and Shanghai last year.

"Finally, I'm the winner of Bercy, a tournament that I love, first title in France, three Masters titles, just super happy," he said. "Hopefully I can continue this style of game."

He and Zverev will both be back on court for the ATP Finals in London later this month.