Alexander Zverev checked off "bad" Australian Open
After his round of 16 at the Australian Open,Alexander Zverev wants to get back on the road to success at the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Feb 01, 2022, 05:23 pm
In addition to Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev was considered the top favorite at the Australian Open, but the German didn't really do justice to this role: Zverev failed in Melbourne in the round of 16 and after the three-set defeat against Denis Shapovalov spoke of a "shitty week" in the Australian metropolis.
In the run-up to the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier, Zverev justified his early exit with public expectations: "I was under a lot of pressure in Australia because everyone told me that I could become number one in the world if I did well there perform. I was disappointed with my performance."
Zverev accepts wild card
He knows that he played "bad" Australian Opens, but now it's time to concentrate on everyday tour life again: "I've finished and wanted to keep the tournament rhythm." For this reason, Zverev accepted a wildcard for the indoor tournament in southern France.
"I'm coming back to Montpellier because I have great memories," Zverev alluded to his two tournament wins in singles and doubles in 2017. The third in the world rankings will at least not be able to repeat his triumph in pair skating five years later: Zverev was eliminated in round one alongside his good friend Marcelo Melo .
Zverev impressed by Nadal and Medvedev
In singles, on the other hand, the top seeded German is the big favorite to win the tournament. Zverev opens against Ilya Ivashka or Mackenzie McDonald, the biggest competitors for tournament victory are Roberto Bautista Agut and Gael Monfils. Zverev could already face the French local hero in the semifinals.
The 24-year-old also found inspiration for his next appearances in the final of the Australian Open between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. "I watched the end of the final, although I would have liked to have been there myself. Rafa was incredible and extraordinary," said Zverev, who also attested Medvedev's outstanding performance.