The start of the new tennis year couldn’t have gone better for Alexander Zverev. In Germany’s victory in the United Cup, the Hamburg player was the decisive player with four individual successes. The 26-year-old seems ready for the Australian Open.
Alexander Zverev and Co. celebrated the first triumph of the new year extensively in Sydney. Zverev, who played brilliantly, popped the champagne corks and team boss Torben Beltz announced a long night. But after the well-deserved victory party at the United Cup, Germany’s tennis aces quickly turned their attention to the next big goal.
After all, the Australian Open begins this Sunday in Melbourne, where Zverev, Angelique Kerber from Kiel and the other German tennis professionals want to make the next positive headlines.
Zverev: After a show of strength, take a deep breath
In order to be successful at the first Grand Slam tournament of the new season, you first need to take a little rest. Zverev in particular has had exhausting days: The Olympic champion won four of his five singles, had to go over three sets four times – and beat two top ten players, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz. He was also the only one in the German team to complete all mixed games.
“You’re the hero of the week for me.”
— Angelique Kerber to Alexander Zverev
In particular, the triple double shift against Greece on Friday, Australia on Saturday and Poland on Sunday took a toll. “I think this format, especially the last three days when I had to play six games in three days, is perhaps even harder than a Grand Slam tournament,” said Zverev. “At a Grand Slam you can play five sets, but then you have a day off.”
With much Confidence to Melbourne
The sixth in the world rankings will now take that time before the preparation for the Australian Open picks up speed again. Last year he was eliminated in the second round in Melbourne after losing all of his singles at the United Cup.
But they were also the first games of his comeback after he had to take a break for months due to an ankle injury. This time Zverev travels to the Yarra River in top shape and with a lot of self-confidence.
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Sports current | 01/08/2024 | 9:17 a.m
