Zverev demands Sinner at ATP Finals: “Can have a chance”

The world number three will play the second singles game of the day against the Italian on Wednesday (not before 8:30 p.m.) – and has no illusions. “I expect a very difficult match because he is the best player in the world on this surface – no question about it,” said the 28-year-old.

The role of favorite is clearly assigned in Zverev’s second match in the group phase of the ATP Finals – and yet the German tennis star believes in the surprise. “If I’m 100 percent fit,” said Zverev, “then I can have a chance.”

Sinner has been undefeated in the hall for 27 games

He gained self-confidence not least in his opening win over Ben Shelton. The Hamburger left a strong impression, appeared physically fit and served outstandingly. He feels “very good” and ready for the tasks ahead, said Zverev, who won the tournament in 2018 and 2021.

The Hamburg tennis professional impressed against the American Ben Shelton. He seems to have recovered well from his physical problems.

However, Zverev has recently taken on Sinner twice without success – now the third duel between the world number three and the Wimbledon winner awaits within two and a half weeks. The Italian has not only given Zverev no chance in the recent past – he has been undefeated in the hall for 27 games.

Sinner: “Sascha serves brutally well”

The South Tyrolean still expects a close duel. “The next game will certainly be very difficult, Sascha is serving brutally well at the moment. He also played very, very well against Ben,” praised Sinner, who had presented himself as usual ripped off at his start on Monday. Félix Auger-Aliassime was only able to hold on for most of the first set at 5:7, 1:6.

“I know that nowadays everyone finds it very strange when I can win against good players. But for me I still want to see it as normal.”

Alexander Zverev

The Canadian is Zverev’s opponent on Friday in what could be the decisive final group game. Before that, the German has the chance for a rare highlight in a season marked by injuries and form problems – in which his own standards nevertheless always remained high. He knows that “everyone finds it very strange these days when I can win against good players,” Zverev said somewhat snidely after his victory over Shelton: “But for me I still want to see it as normal.”

Lost the last four matches

The 28-year-old won four of a total of nine duels with Sinner. Sinner won all of the last four matches. Zuletzt hatte ihn Zverev im Finale von Wien gefordert und nur knapp verloren, kurz darauf geriet er mit Knöchelproblemen im Halbfinale von Paris beim 0:6, 1:6 gehörig unter die Räder.

The top two in the group of four qualify for the semi-finals this weekend. The final takes place on Sunday.