2020 ATP Madrid Masters fantasy tennis: Murray topples Garin, set to face Tsitsipas for crown
THE 2020 ATP Madrid Masters fantasy tennis tournament finalists have been decided with sixth seed Greek talent Stefanos Tsitsipas set to face British qualifier Andy Murray in the final match of the week.
Tsitsipas won through with a strong finish against seventh seed German Alexander Zverev, in a battle that will no doubt be one that repeats many times over the course of the next decade. The Greek world number six dropped the first set to his fast serving opponent 7-5, but picked it up after that with some impressive shot play.
He won the last nine games of the match, going on a tear with a crucial break at 4-3 up to then move a break clear, hold serve and win the set. It was all set for his momentum to carry into the last set and that is exactly what Tsitsipas did, closing the match out in two and a half hours to book his spot in the final.
Murray had to overcome a feisty Cristian Garin who was on a high after knocking off second seed and tournament favourite, Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals. Holding firm in the first set with a break to be the difference between the players, Murray took out the opening stanza 6-4 to gain an early lead.
It was a momentum-swinging contest throughout the three hour-plus contest as Garin drew level with a break of his own in the second set to level the match at a set apiece. But the former world number one managed to step it up late in the decider to again win a crucial break and ultimately take out the match, 6-4 3-6 7-5 to make his run into the final.
The Madrid Masters final will be the first time these two opponents have faced off with Murray retiring before Tsitsipas really hit his straps. The sixth seed will head in as strong favourite given his form of the last 18 months, including his massive ATP Finals win last year. You can never discount Murray however, with the former world number one and Grand Slam winner leading his young opponent in career titles with 46 to five.
SEMI-FINALS RESULTS:
[6] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) defeated [7] Alexander Zverev (GER) 5-7 6-3 6-0
[Q] Andy Murray (GBR) defeated Cristian Garin (CHI) 6-4 3-6 7-5
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