Alexander Zverev is hoping for a tailwind from his win against the in-form Czech Jiri Lehecka.
Alexander Zverev didn’t take a break the day after the real encouragement. Instead of resting and putting his feet up after the convincingly convincing round of 16 in Dubai, the top German player had a double appearance on Tuesday’s plan alongside his friend Marcelo Melo. On the rocky road back to the old form, every rally counts and, above all, every sense of achievement.
His opening success in the emirate against the in-form Czech Jiri Lehecka was one that the former world number two wants to build on after the difficult first two months of the new season.
Despite initial difficulties with the quarter-finalists of the Australian Open, Olympic champion Zverev “found a way” to a 4: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 success, as he later stated with satisfaction and presented himself in a jubilant pose.
In the first match of his comeback earlier this year, the current world number 16 had. still clearly lost in two sets against the up-and-coming Lehecka.
Zverev takes inspiration from Federer, Nadal and Co.
“I had absolutely no chance in this match, so of course I’m happy that I made progress and improved since then,” said Zverev.
The way back towards the top of the world is a real feat for him after his severe ankle injury – physically and mentally. The 25-year-old said recently that his preloaded joint is causing him less and less pain. A high physical level is not enough in the often competitive matches of the ATP Tour.
A lot is decided in the head in crucial situations and Zverev stated that he wanted to learn something from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – from the greatest players of the past decades.
The Big Four have always distinguished themselves by fighting their way to the finish line even on weaker days. Zverev also wants to do that, who could now win a second match in a tournament for the first time this year. The chance of reaching the quarter-finals by beating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori or Australia’s Christopher O’Connell on Wednesday is there.