“My tennis is far away,” Alexander Zverev gets a reality check following his defeat at the United Cup
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Alexander Zverev (Image Credit: Eurosport)
Alexander Zverev was playing beautifully in the semi-final round match against Rafael Nadal in the French Open 2022. He had lost the first set 6-7. The tie-breaker for the second set had to be played as the two players tied 6-6. However, the German sustained an unfortunate ankle injury while trying to reach the ball. This injury led him to forfeit the match and miss the whole season.
The World No.12 made a return to professional sport after sitting out for almost six months. He participated in the Diriyah Tennis Cup held in Saudi Arabia. Looking at his fitness, form, and ranking, he was selected to play for Team Germany at the United Cup 2023. However, the German still has a long way to go and work on his his form and fitness.
This became apparent at Germany’s clash against the Czech Republic at the United Cup. Alexander Zverev took the court as Germany’s highest-ranked ATP player against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka. However, he lost against the World No.80 4-6, 2-6. But besides this disappointing result, he did not look like the same player tennis fans want him to be.
Given his prolonged absence and severity of injuries, the German lacked rhythm and direction on the court. He committed eight double faults, 23 unforced errors, and converted only one break point converted in seven chances. His net play was ordinary, (7/16). This led to his undoing in the match.
“I think feeling-wise I felt OK. But I think my tennis is far away from the level I want it to be. I think it’s also normal not playing for seven months. There are things that are different than I’m used to. I think I was getting tired a lot quicker than I’m used to. But that comes obviously with not playing. (Am I ) concerned? Probably not. Physically I’m not at the level that I have to be. This is not even a question. I’m getting tired I think a lot quicker than I always did. I’m not as fast as I probably was,” he said in an interview.
Germany is drawn in a tough Group C with the United States of America and the Czech Republic in the United Cup 2023. Hence, it needs its champion player to find both form and fitness quickly in order to win the tournament.
Alexander Zverev’s chances at the Australian Open
The World No.12 is eager to start playing in major tournaments. Although he started the 2023 season with a loss, he expects to find his form with impeccable fitness in some time as the season progresses. He looked great at the World Tennis League where he defeated Novak Djokovic. However, Grand Slams and ATP tournaments are serious business and the German understands it.
“To be honest, I’m only pain-free for about two, three weeks now, since Saudi Arabia basically. Before that I had pain and I wasn’t able to do all the different kind of things I want to do. I don’t think it will be a matter of tomorrow, after tomorrow. It will be a few weeks until I’m back to the level I want to be,” Alexander Zverev continued.
Moreover, this has put question marks on his fitness, form, and ability to compete at the 2023 Australian Open. Even the Germans do not have answers to these questions.
“I think it’s tough to set expectations high right now. It would be unrealistic and also quite stupid for me to set the expectations towards winning or something like that. Of course, I want to win. Everybody wants to win. For me, it’s about getting back the form that I’m used to,” he added further.
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