Alexander Zverev Backs ATP World No.171 to Reach ‘Top of the Game’ After Extremely Difficult Match

Alexander Zverev has already played his first match since winning his second Grand Slam title at the US Open. At the Davis Cup, the German overcame World No.171 Matej Dodig with a 6-4, 7-6(3) scoreline in the opening match against Croatia in the Qualifiers second Round in Halle.

Dino Prizmic, however, clinched a 6-4, 6-3 win over Daniel Altmaier. Following the match, Dodig received some high praise from the World No. 2, who predicted a bright future for him.

I had an extremely difficult match. I thought I played well, but [Dodig] played amazing tennis today. I think we’re going to see him at the top of the game very, very soon. The power that he has, the talent that he has, is incredible. I didn’t expect it. Credit to him. He played a fantastic tennis match.

Alexander Zverev said (H/T: Davis Cup)

Dodig turned pro in 2023 and made his ATP Tour debut at the Umag Open the following year. This season, he made his Grand Slam qualifiers debut at the Australian Open and lost in his first match. He did not play in the qualifiers of the remaining three Majors.

I was putting everything I could in. Playing aggressive on my serve. At the end, I got a little bit nervous and started to cramp a bit, but I think it’s normal – first match like this against such a big player… I really enjoyed every second of it.

Matej Dodig said (H/T: Davis Cup)

Before this match, Zverev played his career’s sixth Grand Slam final in New York, where he upset home favorite Ben Shelton in straight sets to win his second Major of the season. He will end the season with more Grand Slam titles (in this year) than Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, both of whom lifted Wimbledon and the Australian Open titles, respectively.

Rick Macci on what changes Alexander Zverev needs to make to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Although Alexander Zverev played three Major finals and won two titles, he did not face either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner at the French Open and the US Open. He played in the Wimbledon final and lost the match, also registering his 10th consecutive defeat.

Zverev trails 6-7 against Alcaraz and 4-11 against Sinner in the head-to-head meetings. What should he do to challenge the World No.1 and the World No.3? Serena Williams‘ childhood coach Rick Macci has an answer.

He needs to stand much closer to the baseline on the return of serve. He’s so far back, sometimes he’s standing in Germany. You cannot be that far back, especially with his backhand, because he can take it on the rise and give you a surprise.

Rick Macci told Florida Tennis

Alcaraz withdrew from both the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. Sinner played in Paris and lost in the second round. The Spaniard made his comeback at the US Open and lost to Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals. Sinner skipped the event due to a knee injury.

I would alter the return of serve and practice putting that into his game more. And with anything short, he’s going to have to have the courage to move to the approach shot and come in. Because the more you fail, the more you’re going to succeed.

Rick Macci added

Sinner will next be seen in action at the China Open, the main draw of which starts on September 30. He will be competing as the defending champion. Last year, he defeated Learner Tien. Alcaraz will next be competing at the Laver Cup, which runs from September 25 to 27.

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