Chilean 21st seed Nicolas Jarry outclassed American Tommy Paul in a thrilling match to reach the final of the Italian Open on Friday. Jarry triumphed 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 to secure his spot in his first ATP Masters 1000 final, where he will face former champion Alexander Zverev.
Jarry’s Power and Precision
Jarry showcased relentless power from the baseline, delivering 13 aces and 35 winners in a match that lasted two hours and 44 minutes. The Chilean took a 5-3 lead in the first set, closing it out with a brilliant ace. Although Paul, the 14th seed, fought back to win the second set in a tiebreak, Jarry remained composed and aggressive in the decider.
“I think I played my best tennis. I gave it everything and went for it. It’s hard to keep that level of concentration, but now I’m in the final,” Jarry said. “The important thing is that I came back with my best tennis in the third set and was aggressive. It’s never easy to finish, but I did it and it’s amazing the feeling I have now.”
Jarry opened the third set strongly, taking a 5-2 lead and securing victory when Paul’s backhand went wide.
Zverev’s Comeback Victory
Earlier on Friday, Alexander Zverev overcame a slow start to defeat Chilean Alejandro Tabilo 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-2. Zverev, who won the Italian Open title in 2017 and reached the final in 2018, struggled initially as Tabilo raced through the first set.
However, Zverev held his nerve, winning the second set in a tiebreak and raising his game in the deciding set. He broke Tabilo twice and was never threatened again, securing his place in his first final of the year.
