Federer and Zverev delight fans in Mexico City
In the capital's bullring, Federer, the record holder for 'Grand Slam' titles with 20, had difficulty finding his rhythm at 2,240 meters above sea level and made several unforced errors that cost him the first set.
Zverev, precise with his serve, broke in the fifth game and did it again in the ninth to take the first set 6-3.
Cheered on by the crowd, who chanted his name numerous times, Federer began to make a difference with his elegant backhand and broke the German's serve in the third game, but Zverev forced the Swiss to hit several balls out, thereby recovering his service.
In front of an ecstatic audience, the two tennis players forgot they are among the best on the circuit and showcased their skills in tight rallies for the rest of the match.
A happy Federer, with gestures to his fans, maintained his concentration. With a better rhythm, he imposed his conditions with his serve and placed some balls on the lines, a sign that he had adapted to playing at altitude.
In the ninth game, he approached the net to go 15-40 ahead and broke to equalize the match with a 6-4 set victory.
With his well-known backhand effectiveness on the circuit, the Swiss broke in the third game of the third set and, after 69 minutes, took a lead that he did not relinquish.
Zverev, one of the young contenders to become world number one, showed signs of discomfort in his shoulder and lost his serve in the fifth game, allowing Roger to take a 4-1 lead.
Before continuing, Federer gave a racket to a child in the front row and, not content with that, invited him to hit balls from the court to the stands.
They continued with the match decided; Zverev held his serve in the seventh game, and Roger did the same in the eighth to win after an hour and a half of action.
"It took me 23 years to return to this beautiful country; I hope it doesn't take as long for my next visit. I am happy for the emotions in such a short time from the Mexican people," said an excited Federer, who ended up wearing a hat alongside Zverev, who described Mexico as a special place.
The Federer-Zverev match is part of both players' tour of Latin America, which began last Tuesday with Federer's victory in Chile, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, followed by Zverev's win in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
A few hours ago, the match in Bogotá was suspended for security reasons.
The tour will conclude this Sunday in Quito.