Tennis - Zverev trains for Wimbledon coup - Will Kerber be surprised?
Alexander Zverev strolls before the start of his title chase at Wimbledon on Centre Court without the hassle of spectator crowds. A week after his lost French Open final, Zverev intends to make his next attempt to fill the Grand Slam title gap in his career. Unlike Angelique Kerber, he is among the favorites.
Under vastly different conditions, both German tennis protagonists begin their campaigns at the prestigious tournament. Kerber, Wimbledon champion in 2018, is yet to regain her form after her maternity break. Zverev may not prefer the grass surface but aims to debut in Wimbledon with a strong showing.
Will Paris set the tone for Wimbledon?
"Given his success at the French Open, he should have enough self-confidence to know he can go far in Wimbledon," said Michael Stich, the last German men's winner at Wimbledon in 1991, to "Sport Bild."
Team captain Michael Kohlmann also believes Zverev, as the world number four, can go "far" based on his world rankings. "Quarterfinals, semifinals, and if you're there, anything is possible," Kohlmann told the German Press Agency.
Modest Wimbledon record
Fulfilling Zverev's dream of a Grand Slam title on grass seems unlikely given his Wimbledon record. His best result stands as his eighth-place finish. He failed to progress beyond the third round last year against Matteo Berrettini.
Unlike in Paris, the legal proceedings no longer consume him. The trial dates following the allegation of domestic violence against his former girlfriend were initially scheduled until mid-July but were dropped during the French Open without a conviction. No admission of guilt was made. Zverev remains innocent.
"I still need to improve a few things, but I see my chances at Wimbledon this year much, much higher than in the last few years," said the Tokyo Gold Medalist when he lost in the Halle semifinals. His goal is clear: "I don't want to end my career as one of the most successful tennis players who never won a Grand Slam."
Wimbledon surprise? "Why not Angie?"
Unlike Zverev, Kerber has not won a single one of her warm-up matches on grass, both in Berlin and Bad Homburg ended in the first round. The hope that it will run smoother for her before Wimbledon has not been realized. Her Grand Slam record since her comeback as a mother is dismal with two first-round losses.
"I've noticed I'm close," Kerber recently said. "The match in Berlin wasn't bad. It's about those 2-3 percent, being a bit bolder."
Printed thumb of pregnant Sabine Lisicki (34) can assure herself. Demonstratively, she spoke of her courage. "Some player always causes a surprise at the Grand Slams. Why not Angie? She has so much experience on grass and she will fight until collapsing", said the Wimbledon finalist of 2013. "She is in top shape. And once a tournament has been won, anything is possible."
Michael Stich, the last German men's winner at Wimbledon in 1991, believes Alexander Zverev can perform well at Wimbledon due to his success at the French Open. Team captain Michael Kohlmann also shares this optimism, as Zverev is currently ranked fourth in the world. However, Zverev's Wimbledon record is not as impressive, with his best result being an eighth-place finish in 2018. Despite this, Zverev is hopeful and aims to win a Grand Slam title on grass, as he does not want to be known as one of the most successful tennis players without a Grand Slam title.
Angelique Kerber, the 2018 Wimbledon champion, is yet to regain her form since her maternity break and has not won a single warm-up match on grass. Her Grand Slam record since returning as a mother is poor, with two first-round losses. However, Sabine Lisicki, the 2013 Wimbledon finalist, believes Kerber has a chance to cause an upset and win another title, as she has plenty of experience on grass and is in top shape. She pointed out that a surprise winner often emerges at the Grand Slams.
