- Despite the setback, Zverev remains prepped for the US Open.
The US Open is just around the corner, and despite a disappointing semi-final loss at the ATP tournament in Cincinnati against Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev is gearing up for the final Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season. Inspite of conceding defeat in a high-quality three-hour match (6:7 (9:11), 7:5, 6:7 (4:7)), Zverev managed to gather some self-confidence for the classic in Flushing Meadows, following some rocky weeks.
The US Open in New York will commence next Monday, offering Zverev another opportunity to bag his coveted Grand Slam title. In 2020, the Hamburg native came close but lost in a thrilling final to his Austrian pal, Dominic Thiem, despite taking a 2:0 lead in sets.
Last year, Zverev's journey in New York ended in the quarterfinals. After emerging victorious against Sinner in an electrifying five-set match in the round of 16, Zverev was completely drained and had no hope against the Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, in the quarterfinals.
Ideal preparation for the US Open
This time, Zverev will have a few days to rest after his most recent grueling battle against Sinner. All in all, he spent a substantial amount of time on the tennis court in Cincinnati, making for an excellent preparation for the US Open, which appears even more appealing this year as a genuine treasure trove.
Leading the pack, Sinner is experiencing highs and lows after his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne at the start of the year, with doubts surrounding record Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic. The 37-year-old Serb has fulfilled his last major dream with a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris and hasn't played a match since, preferring to celebrate in his Serbian homeland.
Is everything within Zverev's reach?
And even the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz is still searching for rhythm and motivation after his tough loss at the Olympics. In Cincinnati, Alcaraz's journey ended in the second round.
Thus, it seems that everything is in Zverev's grasp, although the German number one has had some issues recently as well. He appeared unusually weak at the Olympics in Paris and complained about breathing problems once again at the ATP tournament in Montreal. However, in Cincinnati, Zverev demonstrated that he is physically fitter, battling more against adverse weather conditions rather than his own body. "I'm proud of how I fought," stated Zverev.
Against Sinner, Zverev exhibited a tenacious performance, having already claimed a match point in the first set, but Sinner managed to win the set in the tiebreak. In the decisive set, good fortune was with Sinner's side.
"There were some peaks and valleys, which can occur, particularly when the match lasts more than three hours," said Sinner following the match. "It was a good match, I believe, for both of us. He served exceptionally well, so I can be particularly proud."
With the US Open in New York approaching rapidly, Alexander Zverev aims to make amends for his 2020 loss in the final and claim his first Grand Slam title, joining the prestigious Olympic Games winners list. Despite his semifinal defeat at the ATP tournament in Cincinnati, Zverev remains optimistic, viewing the upcoming Olympic Games as another opportunity to cement his place among tennis greats.
