Zverev, the world No. 4 and a hometown favorite, aimed to secure back-to-back titles in Hamburg. Fils, just 20 years old, had other plans. The first set saw Zverev take a convincing 6-3 lead, but Fils fought back, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
As the deciding set reached a critical point with the score tied at 5-5, Fils attempted a disguised underarm serve. Although it didn’t win him the point, it infuriated Zverev and drew boos from the home crowd. Accusations of disrespect flew, and the umpire had to intervene to separate the players.
Frosty Handshake and Champagne Spray
Fils ultimately clinched victory in a tense tiebreak, securing his first ATP 500 title. However, the drama didn’t end there. After the final point, Zverev and Fils exchanged a frosty handshake. Zverev muttered to himself, visibly irritated. But as the trophy was presented to Fils, both players managed smiles.
And then came the unexpected twist: Zverev sprayed Fils with champagne. Here is the video.
Pop the cork, let the fun begin! 🍾😅#HamburgOpen pic.twitter.com/JBKgl8BzIy
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 21, 2024
Alexander Zverev in 2024
LWWWWWWWWL Now the world no.4, Zverev played his last encounter on the 21st of July when he capitulated to world no.20 Arthur Fils 6-3 3-6 7-6(1) in the final in Hamburg (draw).
This year the German achieved a 44-13 win-loss record. The German has won 2 titles in 2024 in Australia and Rome. Zverev reached the final at the French Open and Hamburg.
Arthur Fils in 2024
Now ranked no.20 (career-high), Arthur played his last match on the 21st of July when he beat world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 3-6 7-6(1) in the final in Hamburg to win his 2nd career title.
This season the French player has a compiled 28-17 win-loss record. The French player conquered 2 titles in 2024 in the Bordeaux Challenger and Hamburg.
Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils clashed against each other 3 times. Their actual head to head record is 2-1 for Zverev.
