Zverev equals Becker’s mark to set up final with Jarry

Alexander Zverev celebrates the win over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in Rome on Friday. Pic/AFP

Germany's Alexander Zverev equalled compatriot Boris Becker's record by reaching an 11th Masters final on Friday when he ended the Italian Open giant-killing run of Alejandro Tabilo to set-up a title showdown against Nicolas Jarry.

World No. 5 Zverev, who lifted the Rome trophy in 2017, battled back to see off Tabilo 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to tie Becker's record for the most Masters finals by a German since the series began in 1990.

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Third seed Zverev looked like he would become the latest high-ranking victim of an unusual men's tournament when he was battered in a sensational opening set.

But Zverev battled back and after coming through a tight second set his class eventually showed, making the final at the Foro Italico for the third time.

"I was just hanging on in the second set. I brought my energy up. I was really just hanging on and waiting and the patience was kind of good today," Zverev said.

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