Alexander Zverev was forced to wait for a verdict after requesting a video review during his ATP Finals semi-final against Taylor Fritz.

In the second game of the second set, the German player chased down a ball and returned it but the umpire called a “not up”, believing that the ball bounced twice before Zverev got his racket on it.

Zverev asked for VAR but it took a while for the system to find an appropriate angle and broadcast it on the screens inside the arena. But he eventually proved the official wrong.

After dropping the first set, Zverev was keen to get himself back in the match and fight for a spot in the final. But Fritz was in total control.

As the American served at 0-1 in the second set, he sent the world No. 2 running around the court and drew him into the net with a short ball. Zverev managed to get there and returned it. Fritz was at the net, able to put away an easy volley.

But the point was stopped as Fritz went to finish it as the umpire called “not up”, believing the ball bounced twice before Zverev hit it back.

The two-time former champion made the most of the video review technology in use at the ATP Finals and asked the chair official to go to VAR.

He was momuntarily left regretting the decision when it took several minutes for any replay to show up on the screens. Umpire Adel Nour put his headset on and waited to receive the footage to review.

Some whistles rang out through the Inalpi Arena as the spectators weren’t happy with how long it was taking. “First things first they need to find an angle that shows it clearly.

No point showing the umpire a replay that doesn’t show the ball bouncing,” commentator Jonathan Overend said on Sky Sports.

As Zverev anticipated a final decision, he walked behind the baseline and sat on the advertising boards at the side of the court. Laura Robson added: “He’s probably regretting the decision to ask now! We just need a side angle, that’s all we need.”

A video eventually appeared on the screen but it showed the point from behind Zverev and both commentators agreed that they needed a better view to give a verdict.

Zverev believed it proved he got to the ball as Overend said: “Zverev’s celebrating, he’s got his arms because he believes he’s got to that.” But Robson wasn’t having it, declaring the review “inconclusive”.

It seemed the umpire agreed as a clear replay from the side was eventually shown inside the arena, forcing the umpire to change his call. “Have they not got the replay from the side? Ah, here we go,” Overend explained.

“So this is what Adel Nour the umpire is saying. I think he just gets there. Zverev absolutely thinks he just gets there. Taylor absolutely not impressed.”

Nour made an announcement to the crowd as Zverev celebrated. “Ladies and gentlemen, after the video review, the call is overturned. Replay the point,” he declared.

Zverev and Fritz laughed about the lengthy wait when they finally replayed the point more than four minutes later. But Tim Henman, who was sat courtside, wasn’t impressed by the delay.

“It’s interesting with the video replay, the fundamentally changed the decision. You would say it’s a good thing but I think we need to speed it up a little bit. Took quite a long time to make a decision,” he said.

Zverev won the point when it was replayed but Fritz held on. The world No. 2 eventually got his first break of the match a few minutes later, taking a 3-1 lead. Zverev forced a decider but Fritz just edged his way into the final, winning 6-3 3-6 7-6(3).