ATP Masters Indian Wells: Alexander Zverev knows the opening opponent - location determination in the USA
Alexander Zverev recently presented himself in much improved form in Dubai. The German now has the next opportunity for an exclamation mark in the Sunshine Double. The first hurdle is already clear.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Mar 09, 2023, 07:23 pm
A look at the draw at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event should initially have triggered mostly positive emotions in Alexander Zverev. After a bye in round one, Zverev can prepare for a second round game against Argentinian Pedro Cachin. The Argentine surprisingly got the upper hand in two sets against Nikoloz Basilashvili. The possible third round opponent Roberto Bautista Agut also falls under the category feasible, but in the round of 16 it could go against the in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev.
The encounter with the Russian will also clearly be the advertised goal with which Zverev will travel to California. The German recently presented himself with an increasing form curve, at the ATP 500 event in Dubai the native of Hamburg reached his first semi-final since the month-long injury break. And even more important: The world number 14. showed consistently strong performances in Dubai, with the victory over the Czech Jiri Lehecka, the German also recorded his biggest win of the season so far.
Zverev with self-confidence
"I'm glad I'm back at this level," said Zverev in the run-up to the tournament at Eurosport. "I'm glad I can be back here. Of course I missed the competition," said the native of Hamburg. "Of course it's nice to know that you're on the right track and you can play high quality, which I also did in Dubai, where I played and won against really good opponents," said the German. "It will give me a lot of confidence for this week."
After the Sunshine Double, the German continues with the European clay court season, where Zverev has always been able to bring his best tennis to the court in the past. Last year, the German defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the French Open in Paris and delivered an equal fight to Rafael Nadal - only to injure himself so seriously after not even playing two sets. But now Zverev is back. The German would also like to emphasize this in Indian Wells.