Some players have their own preferences when it comes to playing on a court, but Alexander Zverev is not one of those.
At eighth in the world, the 20-year-old has already won four titles this season on two different surfaces (hard-court and clay). Many have tipped the German to be a future star of the men’s game once the era of the ‘Big Four’ comes to an end. Zverev illustrated his potential by winning his first Masters 1000 title in Rome earlier this year, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.
His ability to play on every surface is why many are tipping him as a future world No.1. So far in his career, Zverev has featured in eight ATP finals. Out of those, three have been on clay, three on a hard-court and two on the grass. It is for this reason why the Next Gen superstar believes he can be a threat in every grand slam tournament.
“I feel like I can play on all surfaces. I’ve been to two finals or won tournaments on every single surface.” Zverev told reporters on Tuesday.
“I don’t feel like I have to focus on one, like some players do French Open or Wimbledon, something like that. I feel like I have good chances at all of them.”
Whilst the future is bright, the fourth seed in this week’s Rogers Cup still has a way to go. The first three grand slams of 2017 has been dominated by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Those two players also lead the ATP Race to London. Still, Zverev between the gap is closing between the two generations.
“We’re not too far away. I think both of us have shown that. We’ve won big tournaments this year.” He commented about his and Dominic Thiem’s progression on the tour.
It is hard to dispute the claim. Going into the Rogers Cup the world No.8 had already defeated five top 10 players this season. His most recent was a straight sets triumph over Kei Nishikori in Washington last week.
The drive for more success
Keeping Zverev focus is his team, which recently enlisted the help of Juan Carlos Ferrero. Somebody who he described as a ‘perfect fit’ for him. Whilst it is flattering for Zverev to hear numerous praise from those around him, it is what his team says that is important to him.
“I have my team around me. I have important people around me that I listen to. This is a very small group of guys.” He explained.
“But it’s always nice to hear stuff from Roger and from Rafa, that they think I can become the world No. 1. They know what it takes.”
The first six months have been cause for celebration for the rising star. He dominates the Race to Milan, where the best players under the age of 21 will participate in the inaugural ATP Next Gen Finals later this year. He leads with 3165 points, 2285 more than second place Karen Khachanov (880 points).
Zverev, who will play Richard Gasquet in Montreal on Wednesday, refuses to be contempt with his success. Yet to reach the second week of a grand slam tournament, he relishes the future challenges ahead of him.
“The season doesn’t stop now. It’s only August. There’s still a lot more tennis ahead of us, and we’ll see where I can be at the end of the season.” The German concluded.
