Strong in sprinting and stamina, an outstanding feel for the ball, a complete repertoire of all stroke variations at a world-class level and the necessary power in serves and groundstrokes: When it comes to athleticism and tennis technique, it is completely clear that Alexander Zverev has been one of the absolute best in the world for four or five years . However, all experts say: just making it to the final at a Grand Slam tournament and not winning a title there is actually far too little for a man of his quality.
Zverev and the head problem
The big triumph was once again denied him this year after his five-set defeat against Daniil Medvedev after leading the set 2-0. The game had the same course as the one against Dominic Thiem in the only major final so far at the US Open 2019, where Zverev lost even after leading the set 2-0. Now, in fairness, it should be noted that in tennis a lead cannot only be managed and defended: the fact that every point has to be won in a man-to-man duel until the end is what makes this sport so attractive.
Alexander Zverev Photo: IMAGO/Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire
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Nevertheless, the fact that it is often not enough for Zverev when there is a chance for the big breakthrough indicates deficits in the areas of mental stability and nerve strength. When it comes to points in crunch time, you often see a strange hesitation at first, as was the case several times against Medvedev, and then later uncontrolled outbursts of anger after minor mistakes, such as his thundering of the racket onto the net, which tore off its anchorage.
Headlines off the pitch
Karma strikes back, those who are critical of Zverev as a person will say mockingly because he is accused of physically abusing a woman. In October 2023, a district court imposed a fine of 450,000 euros on him for bodily harm. Zverev has lodged an objection, the presumption of innocence applies, and the court hearing will take place in May. It is not the first time that Zverev has written negative headlines off the pitch: he was also criticized several times for his behavior during the corona pandemic as a participant in the Adriatic Tour and a jet set party.
Sophia Thomalla, current girlfriend of Alexander Zverev, in the players’ box in Melbourne. Photo: IMAGO/Juergen Hasenkopf
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What was significant in the semi-finals in Melbourne was that the sympathies of the neutral audience in Australia were divided: between the German and a Russian who takes a very cautious position against his state’s war of aggression against Ukraine and likes to cultivate his bad boy image on the pitch – for example, by trying to throw the opponent off his game with his behavior outside of rallies.
What a difference when you compare these two players with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal: great athletes and impressive people off the court. Even the new Grand Slam record winner Novak Djokovic, despite all the justified criticism of him because of some political statements and attitudes, is far more impressive as a guy – but the 36-year-old’s time is also running out, like the semi-final exit in Australia against Jannik Sinner shows. The still quite introverted, but only 22-year-old South Tyrolean currently has the best chance of winning the hearts of the tennis world as a popular figure after the end of an era that could actually have prepared perfect ground for Zverev.
2024-01-26 16:04:11
#World #leaders #tennis #reorganizing #Alexander #Zverev #NOZ
