“I don’t care who I play,” Novak Djokovic’s presence in the draw doesn’t scare a confident Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev is not thinking about who his opponent will be in the final of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships.
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Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic (Image Credit: US Open)
Alexander Zverev may have to beat Novak Djokovic in the final of the Dubai Open to win the title. Although, aware of this possibility, the German does not want to brood on it. His goal right now is to reach the finals of this ATP 250 event.
After missing out most of the 2022 season after a nasty injury, which he sustained during his semi-final round match against eventual champion Rafael Nadal in the final of the French Open 2022, he is making slow but steady progress. However, his performance and fitness is not up to the level he would have liked. Thus, making it to the final is a long way ahead for the 25-year-old.
Hence, he does not care who his opponent would be. He added that he would be rather happy to play Novak Djokovic in the final.
“Yes (on whether he wants to face Djokovic in Dubai), because that means it’s a final, so… I don’t care who I play in the final if I’m in the final, to be honest right now,” he said in an interview.
Alexander Zverev defeated Jiri Lehecka in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. He will take on Christopher O’Connell in his second-round fixture here.
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Can Alexander Zverev win the Dubai Open?
The German may have passed the first challenge, but he lacked the prowess which he is known for throughout the match. He looked patchy at times, however, and was spot on with his serve in his match against Jiri Lehecka. He also shot 12 serves and his win percentage on first serve was 74%.
Alexander Zverev has made a lot of progress since his abysmal show at the United Cup 2023; however, both the experienced players and top seeds will test him. A few days ago at the Qatar Open, he was knocked out of the tournament in the first-round itself by eventual finalist Andy Murray. The Briton was able to beat the German despite him hitting 12 aces in the match and his winning percentage on first serve was 74%. The scoreline read 7(7)-6(5), 2-6, 7-5.
ATP Dubai Open 2023 is witnessing some of the top players in action. Top ranked players such as Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Hubert Hurkacz, Karen Khachanov, and Borna Coric among others are participating in this tournament. Hence, Alexander Zverev has to perform really well to reach the final and win the title.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)