The 2023 Chengdu Open wasn’t just another tennis tournament. It was a tale of grit, determination, and a showcase of raw emotions that kept tennis enthusiasts at the edge of their seats. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, known for his fiery spirit and relentless pursuit of victory, added another glorious chapter to his journey. But it wasn’t a straightforward affair. Oh no, this was a battle that tested nerves, skill, and heart. Let’s dive into this emotional rollercoaster.
Safiullin: The Unexpected Challenger
Roman Safiullin wasn’t just another opponent. His style, eerily mirroring Zverev’s, was like watching two gladiators with the same weapons battling fiercely. Both had a penchant for seizing the moment, especially under fast conditions, and both loved to launch attacks right from the baseline. Safiullin, with his booming serves and aggressive plays, wasn’t going to let Zverev have it easy. And boy, did he prove that in the first set.
Despite Zverev knocking on the door multiple times, Safiullin’s resilient defense kept it firmly shut. The tiebreak of the first set was nerve-wracking, and unfortunately for Zverev, it was Safiullin who emerged smiling.
The Tide Turns, But Not Without Drama
Zverev might’ve felt a pang of déjà vu in the second set. It was intense, with each player refusing to budge. A slight slip saw Zverev trailing, but true champions have a knack for turning things around when the odds stack against them. Rallying with everything he had, Zverev clawed back and managed to snatch the set in another heart-stopping tiebreak.
And then came the final act. Whether it was the pressure or just an off-moment, Safiullin’s serve began to waver. Zverev, ever the opportunist, pounced, making the most of every small chance.
Stats Tell a Tale, But Not The Whole Story
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the intense match between Alexander Zverev and Roman Safiullin:
| Metrics | Zverev A. | Safiullin R. |
| Service | ||
| Aces | 10 | 8 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 4 |
| 1st Serve Percentage | 76% | 62% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 77% (62/81) | 72% (49/68) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 52% (13/25) | 59% (24/41) |
| Break Points Saved | 50% (1/2) | 80% (8/10) |
| Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 28% (19/68) | 23% (19/81) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 41% (17/41) | 48% (12/25) |
| Break Points Converted | 20% (2/10) | 50% (1/2) |
| Points | ||
| Winners | 25 | 33 |
| Unforced Errors | 9 | 15 |
| Net Points Won | 63% (12/19) | 73% (16/22) |
| Max Points In Row | 4 | 7 |
| Service Points Won | 71% (75/106) | 67% (73/109) |
| Return Points Won | 33% (36/109) | 29% (31/106) |
| Total Points Won | 52% (111/215) | 48% (104/215) |
| Games | ||
| Max Games In Row | 3 | 4 |
| Service Games Won | 94% (16/17) | 88% (14/16) |
| Return Games Won | 13% (2/16) | 6% (1/17) |
| Total Games Won | 55% (18/33) | 45% (15/33) |
The statistics highlight an intensely contested match. Zverev demonstrated remarkable prowess on his first serve and maintained a better overall serve percentage than Safiullin. However, Safiullin showed glimpses of brilliance, especially with his winners outnumbering Zverev’s. While Zverev clinched the match, both players showcased exemplary tennis skills, promising more enthralling encounters in future showdowns.
Meanwhile, in Zhuhai: Khachanov’s Heartfelt Comeback
Over at the Zhuhai Championships, an equally riveting story unfolded. Karen Khachanov, after what felt like eons, tasted victory again. His final against Yoshihito Nishioka wasn’t smooth sailing. They exchanged blows, quite literally, in the form of service breaks. But Khachanov, with memories of his past injuries perhaps fueling his drive, dominated the latter part to clinch the title. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Match Statistics: Khachanov K. vs Nishioka Y. (2-0)
Here’s an in-depth statistical breakdown of the match between Karen Khachanov and Yoshihito Nishioka:
| Metrics | Khachanov K. | Nishioka Y. |
| Service | ||
| Aces | 9 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 3 | 0 |
| 1st Serve Percentage | 64% | 50% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 77% (30/39) | 55% (17/31) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 55% (12/22) | 48% (15/31) |
| Break Points Saved | 83% (5/6) | 63% (5/8) |
| Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 45% (14/31) | 23% (9/39) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 52% (16/31) | 45% (10/22) |
| Break Points Converted | 38% (3/8) | 17% (1/6) |
| Points | ||
| Winners | 37 | 14 |
| Unforced Errors | 7 | 7 |
| Net Points Won | 73% (8/11) | 70% (7/10) |
| Max Points In Row | 12 | 5 |
| Service Points Won | 69% (42/61) | 52% (32/62) |
| Return Points Won | 48% (30/62) | 31% (19/61) |
| Total Points Won | 59% (72/123) | 41% (51/123) |
| Games | ||
| Max Games In Row | 5 | 3 |
| Service Games Won | 90% (9/10) | 67% (6/9) |
| Return Games Won | 33% (3/9) | 10% (1/10) |
| Total Games Won | 63% (12/19) | 37% (7/19) |
The match between Khachanov and Nishioka showcased a dominant performance by Khachanov. From the serve to the return, Khachanov consistently outplayed his opponent. Particularly notable was his service game, with a commendable first serve percentage and an impressive tally of aces. Although Nishioka showed resilience, especially in his second serve points and net points, Khachanov’s overall prowess sealed the victory. This match serves as a testament to the skill level and competitiveness of both players.
Wrapping Up With a Bow of Emotions
The Chengdu Open and the Zhuhai Championships of 2023 will be remembered for their high-voltage drama and the sheer passion displayed on the court. As Zverev’s win solidifies his place in tennis history, Khachanov’s comeback reminds us of the human side of sports, filled with ups, downs, and the undying spirit to prevail.
