An umpire was forced to step in and separate Alexander Zverev and Arthur FIls as the Frenchman decided to approach the World No.4 during the final set of the match with a verbal tirade aimed at him.
Fils who was struggling visibly with cramp as he went on to seal the title at the Hamburg European Open tried an underarm serve which was initially called in. It was deemed to have been out upon further review. The crowd showed displeasure at Fils for his tactics and started to cheer his missed serves.
Zverev too seemed to take an issue with his underarm serving. The two players erupted into a row with Fils walking over to Zverev and the umpire had to step in. It also showed no signs of letting up post match with Zverev not looking Fils in the eyes when they shook hands at the net. It seemed to simmer with Zverev getting sprayed with champagne in the post match speech. But certainly a joy for those who are a fan of tennis drama.
"I'm really happy about how I played," said Fils. "I did everything for winning this match. I got cramps, when I was serving I was cramping. I was trying underarm serves because I cannot serve. The crowd took it badly but I don't care, I'm winning and that's it.
"Sascha [Zverev] is such a great champion. He's such a great champion playing unbelievable tennis. I knew from the start that it wasn't going to be easy. I was taking care of it in the first set. I had a bit of luck but I was playing great, then he managed to play better and raise his level in the second set.
"When they closed the roof I knew it was going to be a dogfight. I just had to fight until the last ball. I've been practicing for a long time for these moments, so I'm really happy."
Arthur Fils and Alexander Zverev having a word at the changeover. A lot of drama in this last game. Arthur tried hitting an underarm serve that was called in, but upon further review, it was out. The crowd started applauding Arthur’s missed serves. A few points later,…
WHAT. A. MATCH 🥵 The moment Arthur Fils defeated Zverev for the biggest win of his career and his FIRST ATP 500 title! #HamburgOpen
