Taylor Fritz topples Alexander Zverev in five-set thriller to reach Wimbledon quarters

NEW DELHI: Taylor Fritz staged a remarkable comeback to defeat fourth seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3 and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. The German's flawless serving record at this year's tournament was shattered by the American's resilient performance.
Initially, Zverev showed no signs of being hampered by the knee injury he sustained in the previous round.His serve remained untouchable, as he extended his streak of consecutive holds to 56 across four matches, and he appeared poised to secure his first-ever last-eight berth at the grasscourt major.
However, at 4-4 in the third set, a surprising double fault from Zverev handed Fritz a crucial break. From that moment, the American's game soared to new heights. He relentlessly pursued every shot the German fired at him and produced some stunning diving winners in the decisive set, leaving Zverev visibly stunned.
Facing two break points at 2-1 down in the fifth set, Zverev managed to stay in the game by concluding a grueling yet mesmerizing 21-shot rally with a blistering forehand winner. Despite his valiant efforts, the German ultimately succumbed to Fritz's determined play, ending his Wimbledon campaign in a hard-fought five-set battle.
BACKHAND WINNER
Fritz's determination was evident as he threw himself across the court, his 6-foot-4 frame sprawling in a valiant effort to return Zverev's forehand.
Though he missed that particular shot, Fritz quickly regrouped and secured the break in the very next point, establishing a commanding 3-1 lead. From that moment, Zverev's chances of a comeback diminished rapidly.
As Fritz struck a decisive backhand winner into an unguarded part of the court, he released his racket and raised his arms, savoring the moment of victory. On the other side of the net, Zverev was left to contemplate another frustrating departure from the Wimbledon tournament.
"It was amazing to do that on Centre Court when you are two sets down in front of this crowd. It's a dream," Fritz told the crowd after defeating a top five player at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
"I was just thinking it sucked to be playing this well and to lose in three straights. Even though I lost the first two sets, I really believed I was playing good tennis. I felt it was just a couple of point here and there and that I could take it one step at a time and turn it around."
The American 13th seed will next face Italian Lorenzo Musetti.