Zverev beat the unseeded Belgian, Alexander Blockx on Friday 6-2 7-5, while Sinner dispensed with Arthur Fils in straight sets (6-2 6-4). Sinner will no doubt seek to secure a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title. 

If he can do so, he will surpass Novak Djokovic, who won four consecutive events on three occasions, and Rafael Nadal, who clinched four straight tournaments in 2013.

The Italian world number one has only dropped one set in the tournament, while Zverev has been fine-tuning his game as the rounds progressed.

Sunday will be the fourteenth time the pair have crossed paths, and Sinner has a clear lead in their head-to-head, as well as having taken the spoils in all of their last eight encounters.

Zverev will remain in third place in the rankings no matter what happens on Sunday, but a victory will do a lot to restore his confidence in his rivalry with the Italian. There is no better place for such a turnaround than Madrid, one of Zverev’s favourite stomping grounds.

The German have taken the title in 2018 and 2021 and lost the 2022 decider to Carlos Alcaraz. Only two players have competed in more finals at the Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal, with eight, and Roger Federer, with five.

Tough match

After beating Alexander Blockx on Friday, Zverev expressed his joy at once again having an opportunity to battle for the title.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Sinner again. I’m sure it will be a tough match. Playing against the world number one always brings pressure. Tennis seems very easy for him at the moment. I hope to make things difficult for him on Sunday,” he said.

Sunday’s final at the Manolo Santana Stadium in Madrid starts at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg