De Minaur beats Zverev to reach Vienna Open final
The Australian will face Carlos Alcaraz after moving back into the top eight in the race for an ATP Finals berth.
Alex de Minaur has reached the Vienna Open final with a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory over Alexander Zverev, his first win against the German in an individual tournament.
The result lifted the Australian back into the top eight in the qualifying race for the ATP Finals. The Paris Masters is the remaining qualifying tournament as de Minaur pursues a third consecutive appearance at the season-ending event in Turin.
De Minaur hit 25 winners and recovered after his serve faltered during the second set. He took the opening three points in the deciding tiebreak and maintained his advantage despite two double faults.
The Australian said he was pleased with his composure and felt his attacking approach in the tiebreak had made the difference. His earlier victories over Zverev, who is due to become world No.1 when the next rankings are issued, had come in team competitions and the Laver Cup.
Carlos Alcaraz awaits in the final at the Wiener Stadthalle after defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). De Minaur has lost each of his six meetings with Alcaraz, including their encounter at this year's Australian Open.
