Under the radar: Zverev feels comfortable as an outsider
Alexander Zverev chose the toughest possible training partner to fine-tune his game ahead of the year-end highlight.
Together with world number one and top favorite Novak Djokovic, the Olympic champion practiced at the Pala Alpitour in Turin and was given a clear demonstration on Centre Court of what awaits him at the ATP Finals: top opponents in a row.
"The best eight professionals of the year are here, there are no easy opponents," Zverev had already said after the draw, which resulted in a preliminary round group for him with Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and the two Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrei Rublev. The German number one starts against Alcaraz this Monday (2.30 pm/Sky).
Complicated tennis year
For now, Zverev is happy to be back at the tournament of the best. Last year, he had to withdraw from the ATP Finals due to his serious foot injury and was therefore unable to defend his title in Turin. "Before the French Open in May, I wasn't even thinking about Turin," said Zverev.
After all, the 26-year-old's comeback season went through many waves. Initially, Zverev struggled to find his rhythm. By the middle of the year, he was playing really good tennis again and reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros once more. Towards the end of the season, however, Zverev was again clearly feeling the strain of the long season. He only managed to secure his ticket for Turin with difficulty.
Legal dispute as a burden
The legal dispute with his ex-girlfriend was an additional burden. At the end of October, the Tiergarten district court issued a penalty order against Zverev, according to which the tennis pro is to pay a fine of 450,000 euros for assault. Zverev rejects the accusations and has lodged an appeal. According to a statement from Zverev's lawyers, he will take "all possible measures" against this. A trial is now looming next year.
Zverev does not want to comment on the proceedings himself. In Turin, his focus will once again be on tennis. So far, the Olympic champion has been largely under the radar among the big names. Will Djokovic become the sole record winner with his seventh title at the ATP Finals? Will Alcaraz manage a conciliatory end to the season? Will Jannik Sinner make a big impression in his home country? And how will the partnership between tennis legend Boris Becker and young Danish star Holger Rune develop?
These are the sporting topics in Turin. Zverev is only marginally interested, especially as he has only shown average performances in recent weeks since his second title this year in Chengdu, China. Also because he was not fully fit. He told "Bild am Sonntag" that he had had problems with his lungs and would have to take medication until mid-December.
Positive memories
However, Zverev always produced top performances at the ATP Finals. In his first triumph in 2018, he beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in succession. In 2021, he defeated Djokovic again in the semi-finals and Russia's Medvedev in the final. It should be the same again this year. "I'm proud to be here again. Let's see what happens," said Zverev.
Despite the challenging legal dispute and his recent health issues, Alexander Zverev is determined to make a strong comeback at the ATP Finals, where he has previously triumphed against tennis greats like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. As part of the toughest group, consisting of Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrei Rublev, Zverev will first face Alcaraz on Monday at the Pala Alpitour, aiming to secure a spot in the ATP Finals and defend his title if possible.
Source: www.dpa.com
