Alexander Zverev wins title in Cologne for 2nd week in a row
Ugo Humbert wins European Open in Antwerp
Alexander Zverev made it back-to-back ATP Tour titles on Sunday when he beat Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 6-1 in the final of the Cologne Championship.
Zverev hit nine aces, saved the only break point he faced and converted five of his own to beat the French Open semifinalist. The first set was over in 38 minutes, the second in just 33.
"It's getting better. I'll be back to my best form soon," Zverev said, referring to problems with his hip. "I didn't know two days ago if I could finish the tournament. I'm happy I didn't give up."
It's Zverev's 13th title overall, and the third time the U.S. Open finalist has won back-to-back titles after wins in Washington and Montreal in August 2017, and Munich and Madrid the previous May.
WATCH | Zverev victorious yet again in Cologne:
The German got the better of Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime to win last week's Cologne Indoors final for his 12th title. The tournaments were both at the same venue and were added to the tour as late replacements during the coronavirus pandemic.
Only 250 people including players, tournament officials, spectators and journalists were allowed at Sunday's final due to restrictions to contain the coronavirus.
It's unclear if there will be another competition in Cologne next year.
"I hope the ATP will establish a tournament here in the long term," Zverev said.
Frenchman Ugo Humbert wins 2nd career title in Antwerp
Ugo Humbert won his second career title on Sunday, defeating Alex de Minaur 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the European Open final at Antwerp.
The 22-year-old left-hander, who saved four match points during his semifinal win over Dan Evans on Saturday, erased the couple of break points he faced and broke twice.
"Tennis is completely crazy sometimes," said Humbert. "It is one of my biggest wins. I am super happy to win my second title this year against a really great player."
WATCH | Humbert claims title in Antwerp:
Humbert became the third Frenchman to win the title at the indoor hard-court event, following in the footsteps of Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The 38th-ranked Humbert, who claimed his first title in January in Auckland, hit several forehand winners in a dominant first set and his aggressive play paid dividends in the the second set tiebreaker. Humbert converted his first match point with a forehand volley.
"I think I played very nicely on key points," he said. "I am super proud of myself."
