Alexander Zverev happy US Open round of 16 supporter Oscar Otte: "One of the most talented guys"
Alexander Zverev receives surprising accompaniment in the round of 16 at the US Open. The German top player sees great potential in Oscar Otte.
by SID
last edit:
Sep 06, 2021, 03:08 am
Alexander Zverev had just done his work in New York, and he really went into raptures. The Olympic champion, who shuffled onto the podium of the US Open in a yellow T-shirt and flip-flops, was not so delighted by his own round of 16. Rather, Zverev enjoyed the success of Oscar Otte, who celebrated his breakthrough on the big stage at the age of 28 .
"I think he's one of the most talented guys there is," said Zverev, who in the round of the best 16 unexpected companions from the German Tennis Federation (DTB) camp: "I'm glad to see him now plays at the level he can really play at. "
While it has long been normal for the fourth in the world rankings to get involved in the second week of the tournament and squint to win the title, the Cologne Otte has reached a new level these days. Sporty, financially, in the attention of the media and the competition. Together with Munich's Peter Gojowczyk, who also advanced as a qualifier, they formed the first German round of 16 trio in a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 1997 with Boris Becker, Nicolas Kiefer and Michael Stich.
Oscar Otte pays chances against Berrettini
With the courageously developed 6: 3, 6: 4, 2: 6, 7: 5 against Andrea Seppi - which he followed with a wild pike role in 17th place - Otte earned a real top duel against Matteo Berrettini, the Wimbledon finalist with a lot of noise Surcharge. "More than very good," said the number 144 in the world from the Rhineland, but quickly added: "I will definitely work out my chances."
This of course also applies to Zverev, who after his shortened shift on Sunday night against the initially furious US American Jack Sock also has to do with an Italian. A really tough test is pending against Jannik Sinner, and the Hamburger has to improve further compared to his third round game, which ended with the injury-related surrender of Sock at 3: 6, 6: 2, 6: 3, 2: 1 .
#VIDEO#
Alexander Zverev now against Youngster Sinner
"Against Sinner it will definitely be a challenge," said Zverev, who is aiming for his first Grand Slam title after Olympic gold in New York. Germany's top player, who has now won 14 games in a row, has been working towards this with the greatest possible intensity for years.
At least that's how Zverev sees it, Otte, on the other hand, may have invested a few percent too little to get started earlier. "He's someone, to be honest, who maybe just lacked discipline a bit," said Zverev: "I hope that he will continue his work and be constant at the level."
Then there will often be reason to rave about - and Zverev would not be alone so often in the second week of the Grand Slam tournament.
nycmap