Nicolas
Jarry (No. 21) advanced to his first Masters 1000 final after defeating Tommy
Paul (No. 16) 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 at the
Rome Open. The Chilean dominated much of
the match, but the American managed to come back in the second set and put his
opponent on the ropes. However, Jarry regained his momentum and secured a
historic victory.
In the
first set, Jarry was the first to create a break opportunity, but Paul managed
to hold on to maintain parity. Everything unfolded evenly, although Jarry was
more dominant with his service thanks to his 74% first serve percentage,
winning 74% of them, compared to Paul's 62% first serve, winning 67% of them.
Strong start for Jarry
"The
Tower from Santiago" took the initiative in the set with 9 winners against
just 2 from Paul. The Chilean again created a couple of break opportunities in
the eighth game and secured the advantage that ultimately gave him the set 6-3
after 43 minutes.
In the
second set, Paul started with strong service games and had his first break
opportunities in the second game of the set. The Chilean managed to hold his
serve and maintain parity until 2-2, when Jarry seized his first break chance
to take the lead.
With
the score 4-2 in favor of Jarry, one of the pivotal moments of the tournament
unfolded. Paul executed a passing shot after a volley from Jarry, stunning the
stadium and providing a morale boost for the American. Despite facing
adversity, he began to take more risks in his shots, aiming to find an
opportunity to remain in the match.
Jarry is the first Chilean player in a Masters 1000 final since Fernando Gonzalez at 2007 Madrid Open.
Paul
found his first break chance in the eighth game and started his comeback,
putting pressure on his opponent to stay in the set. Everything came down to
the tie-break, where Paul took the lead from the start with two mini-breaks and
set the stage to win the set 7-6(3).
In the
third set, tension increased as the match could tilt either way. Both players
wasted break points in their favor, but the crucial moment of the set came in
the sixth game, where Jarry finally capitalized on his chance and took the lead
4-2
The Chilean held his service decisively and ultimately clinched the match
in a memorable final game that lasted over 12 minutes, during which he had five
match points in his favor and saved two break points against him, ultimately
winning 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3.
In his
first Masters 1000 final, he will face the German
Alexander Zverev (No. 5), who
defeated fellow Chilean
Alejandro Tabilo in the semifinals 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.
This will be Zverev's third final appearance in Rome, having won the title in
2017.