MADRID: Moments after Borna Coric dispatched of Mischa Zverev in the first round of the Madrid Open, there was one thing on his mind – how he can improve.
The 20-year-old Next Generation star fired 10 aces and saved five out of six break points to dismiss his German rival 6-3, 7-6(5). Coric’s win occurred during what has been a roller coaster month on the clay for him. Since claiming his maiden ATP title in Morocco, he has suffered three consecutive first round losses prior to Madrid.
“I think it was a very tough match. It was tough conditions out here, it was very windy. The ball was flying a lot and Mischa is a very tricky player to play.” Coric told ubitennis.net after his win over Zverev. “I think at the end of the match I was playing well.”
It was a stroke of luck that contributed to the Croats latest win. Coric was only promoted into the main draw after winning a lucky loser position. The entry is in some way a summary of his season so far with a current main draw win-loss of 12-12 on the tour.
The inconsistency is unsurprising given his age. Coric is one out of two players under the age of 20 ranked in the world’s top-60. Furthermore, a knee injury during the later part of 2016 halted his momentum.
“I think I need to improve basically every part of my game.” He admitted. “Especially forehand and also the backhand is sometimes lacking consistency as well. I think every part of the game I see where I can improve and how I can improve, I just need some time.”
Good way to use my LL status… Beat Mischa Zverev 6-3 7-6(5), I go on to live another day at the @MutuaMadridOpen #NextGenATP #vamos pic.twitter.com/TxrpT2FcuL
— borna coric (@borna_coric) 9 May 2017
Guiding the rising star to greater things is coach Ivica Ancic, the brother of former top-10 player Mario Ancic. The two joined forces last September after Coric ended his collaboration with Miles Maclagan, a decision the Croat doesn’t regret.
“I think we have been working very well the last four months.” He said about Ancic. “I have been playing good and I have been playing bad, but it is nothing to do with him.”
Targeting a goal of reaching the top-20 this season, the future is a bright one for Coric. Admitting that his love for the clay has blossomed since winning the Marrakech Open, the 20-year-old is one of the key players that could fill in the gap when the ‘big four’ depart from the sport.
There is no doubt about Coric’s ability, but questions remain about his consistency. Only time will tell if he can live up to his high expectations.
