“We are no longer the young boys,” Alexander Zverev speaks on the NextGen’s battle with the Big Three after third round win at French Open 2021


“We are no longer the young boys,” Alexander Zverev speaks on the NextGen’s battle with the Big Three after third round win at French Open 2021

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev stormed into the fourth round of the French Open 2021, as he defeated the Serbian, Laslo Djere in straight sets. The German will now face the Japanese, Kei Nishikori in the last 16 clash on Sunday, an opponent he has already faced twice in the past month.

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Kei Nishikori received a walkover in the fourth round, after Henri Laaksonen withdrew just after just the first set. Alexander Zverev and Nishikori faced each other at Madrid and Italian Open 2021. On both occasions, Zverev emerged victorious, in two and three sets respectively.

I felt comfortable on the court today. It is becoming important, because the matches are increasingly difficult. The opponents are getting tougher. I feel like now is the time you have to start playing your best tennis to pass,” said Zverev.

“In Madrid it was a fantastic game for me. In general, in Madrid it was a fantastic tournament. In Rome it was a three-set battle. We played for a long time. We play extremely long points. It will be difficult. I think he’s playing well and has some five-set matches under his belt. I think today gives him time and it helped him a little from the physical point of view. It will be difficult. I look forward to the challenge,” he added.

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Everyone in tennis appreciates them: Alexander Zverev on Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

Alexander Zverev also spoke on the topic of Big Three players- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and stated that it was amazing for the fans that they are still playing.

“Of course it’s great that they’re still around. I think everyone in tennis appreciates them. Everyone loves that they are still playing. All the fans appreciate it, all the players appreciate it,” the German added.

However, Alexander Zverev stated that the NextGen are no longer young boys, and are here to win titles. The German said that out of the four Masters title this year, three have been won by a youngster.

“We, like our generation, are no longer the new generation by the way. We are no longer the young boys. I think that the Alcarazes of the world and the Sinners are the young people. I no longer consider myself young. It’s great that they’re still there. I think there were four Masters Series this year. Three of them were won by our generation, by Hurkacz, Tsitsipas and myself. Rafa obviously won Rome,” he added.

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Also Read: French Open 2021: Alexander Zverev continues his good run, marches into the Round of 16