Alexander Zverev - With a lot of momentum across the pond
Alexander Zverev took another important step in his comeback by reaching the semi-finals in Dubai. Now it's on to Indian Wells.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Mar 04, 2023, 07:42 am
The tie-break of the second set between Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev in the semifinals of the ATP Tour tournament in Dubai yesterday, Friday, had the potential to give Zverev's comeback an additional boost. The German number one was able to fend off one match ball after the other. And that against an opponent who had always drawn the short straw. Everything was set for Rublev's emotional breakdown. But the Russian remained stable this time.
Zverev will probably classify this match as further progress. For several reasons: First of all, there was the serve from the native of Hamburg, which wobbled a little in the first set, but found it very consistently in the decisive phase. Positioning on the court also seemed to improve over the course of the game. In any case, Rublev dominated at the beginning because he was on or even on the baseline for almost all shots. It didn't look so clear in the final phase.
Zverev will start with a bye in Indian Wells
It remains the first semi-final after Alexander Zverev's return, the first small winning streak. The declared goal is to play at the highest level again for the clay court season. But why shouldn't that also work in Indian Wells and Miami? In all likelihood, Novak Djokovic will not be at the start, Rafael Nadal certainly not, behind Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz there are big question marks. And there will be a bye at the start.
Alexander Zverev didn't seem exhausted in the days of Dubai anyway. Rather hungry for the next match. And as the opening match against Jiri Lehecka showed: If you make a friendly offer to Zverev to turn a match that is actually not rosy in his favor, then he boldly grabs it again.
Good prospects for Indian Wells. Where Zverev will also be at the start in doubles. As in Dubai alongside Marcelo Melo.