Alexander Zverev Vows to Correct ‘Pretty Useless Habit’ After Rivals’ Complaints

Alexander Zverev is two wins away from ending his Masters 1000 title drought. In the ongoing Shanghai Masters, Zverev clinched a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur to reach the semifinals of this event for the third time in his career.

Following his win, Zverev talked about one habit several opponents, including Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov, have found pretty annoying. Sascha bounces the ball several times before serving.

I don’t know why, but this year I’ve been bouncing the ball so many times before serving. It started at the US Open, I don’t even know why. I’m fully aware of it, and I’m trying to correct it. I think it’s a pretty useless habit on my part.

Alexander Zverev said at the press conference (H/T: Ubitennis)

Toward the end of the match, Zverev exchanged a few words with the chair umpire, who told him to watch the shot clock.

Anyway, I already do it less than in New York, where I reached extreme levels. I didn’t realize it because I kept my phone off and didn’t follow social media. But there are issues regarding fairness in the game and respect for my opponent. If what I do can distract anyone, I don’t want to continue. I want to win thanks to my tennis.

Alexander Zverev added

Zverev is chasing his third title of the year in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season. After finally ending his Grand Slam title drought by defeating Flavio Cobolli at the French Open, Zverev doubled his title tally by beating Shelton in the New York Slam final.

In Shanghai, Zverev is a former runner-up, losing the final in 2019 to Daniil Medvedev. But in his next three appearances, in 2023, 2024, and 2025, he failed to progress beyond the fourth round.

This season, the 29-year-old has played just one final in Masters 1000s so far. He reached the title clash of the Madrid Open, losing the match easily to World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

The five-time Grand Slam champion, who was last seen in action in the final of Wimbledon, will lose his No.1 ranking to Zverev as he has already ended his season due to his knee injury. Sinner beat Zverev in the final at SW19.

Alexander Zverev will lock horns with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina next

After improving his head-to-head record over Alex de Minaur to 9-4, Alexander Zverev has scheduled his semifinal match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard reached his fourth Masters 1000 semifinal after receiving the walkover from Arthur Gea.

Zverev has already faced Fokina seven times, winning six. The lone victory that the World No.26 registered was in the third round of the 2023 Canadian Open.

He’s playing really well, especially here in Asia. His level is incredibly high right now. He won a tournament, and now he’s reached the semifinals here too. I expect a top-level match from him and, hopefully, from me too. I can’t wait to take on this challenge.

Alexander Zverev said at the press conference

If Zverev beats Fokina, he will reach his fifth final of the season. Fokina is a one-time runner-up in Masters 1000 events, losing the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters final to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Zverev has won seven titles at this level, most recently at the 2024 Paris Masters, where he defeated Ugo Humbert.

Fokina has played seven tour-level singles finals so far, winning this year’s Mallorca Open and the Chengdu Open by defeating Ethan Quinn and Hubert Hurkacz, respectively. The winner of the Zverev-Fokina match will face Casper Ruud, Rafael Jodar, Daniil Medvedev, or Tommy Paul.

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