Alexander Zverev, as he drubbed Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 6-1 in the final of the Cologne Championship on Sunday, have lifted back-to-back ATP Tour titles.
It’s Zverev’s 13th title overall. Even in the past, he had won back-to-back titles twice. The three-time U.S. Open finalist has won back-to-back titles after clinching Washington and Montreal in August 2017, and Munich and Madrid the previous May.
“It’s getting better. I’ll be back to my best form soon,” Zverev said, referring to problems with his hip. “I didn’t know two days ago if I could finish the tournament. I’m happy I didn’t give up.”
On Sunday, Zverev hit nine aces, saved the only break point he faced and converted five of his own to beat Diego Schwartzman who is also a French Open semifinalist. Zverev finished the first set in 38 minutes and the second in just 33.
For his previous title, the German pro Zverev took down Felix Auger-Aliassime to win last week’s Cologne Indoors final for his 12th title. Both the tournaments were held at the same venue and were added to the tour as late replacements during the coronavirus pandemic.
Limited spectators allowed at the stadium
As per COVID-19 protocol, very few spectators and officials were allowed in the stadium for Sunday’s final. There were only 250 people which included players, tournament officials, spectators, and journalists due to coronavirus restrictions.
No information about another competition in Cologne next year is available at the moment on which, Zverev said “I hope the ATP will establish a tournament here in the long term.”
