Grasshopper Cup: ElShorbagy Ends Home Hopes with Mueller Win

Marwan ElShorbagy spoiled the Swiss party in the Grasshopper Cup quarter-finals, knocking out home favourite Nicolas Mueller. 

After playing in front of a split crowd in yesterday’s win over fellow Swiss player Dimitri Steinmann, Mueller had the packed-out Halle 622 behind him from the off. 

That didn’t seem to give him much advantage in the early rallies through, with ElShorbagy racing out to a 10-1 lead. 

Mueller won the next two points, both greeted with loud cheers from the audience despite the scoreline, but the English No.2 took his third game ball to edge in front. 

Determined to give the crowd more to cheer about, Mueller battled hard in the second, waving his arms and pumping his fist after winning a point that got him back to 6-5 down. 

ElShorbagy, though, was out to spoil the party for a second straight year having knocked out Mueller here last year. 

He brought up match ball at 10-9 and took his first opportunity to win, sending Mueller the wrong way with a forehand down the line. 

“I played him here last year and I know how the crowd is,” ElShorbagy said. 

“The crowd here is amazing and they give us the best atmosphere, so I knew that if I got the crowd going it can be a nightmare here. 

“I enjoyed my performance and the way I’ve played today. I knew after the first game he was going to come back and when he came back I didn’t really do much wrong, so overall I’m happy with the performance and happy to win in two. 

“I’ve played here twice. Two finals – one time I won, one time I lost – and I really enjoy it. 

“It’s a great atmosphere, it’s such an easy event and Zurich is such a nice city as well.” 

Result: [3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 2-0: 11-3, 11-9 (20m)