ATP Masters Monte Carlo: Alexander Zverev convinced - "Good tennis on clay again"
Upward trend in the Principality: Alexander Zverev achieves a significant increase at the ATP Masters in Monte Carlo. Surprisingly, the second German, Jan-Lennard Struff , is in the round of 16.
by SID/red.
last edit:
Apr 12, 2023, 03:17 pm
Alexander Zverev ran, worked, sweated - and clenched his fist one last time with determination. After 1:47 hours, the tennis Olympic champion had mastered his next feat. In the midday sun in Monte Carlo, he knocked out the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6: 4, 6: 4 - and is in the round of 16 at the ATP Masters in his adopted home for the sixth time in a row.
"It was a huge test for me, I had a lot more rhythm," said Zverev on Sky: "I'm happy about my performance and that I can now play good tennis again on sand."
Full concentration for the best possible performance
Step two at the start of the clay court season has been successful. In order to advance to higher spheres, however, Zverev will have to keep improving: Former world number one Daniil Medvedev could wait in the round of 16, who will meet Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the afternoon. "I have to stay fully focused to play my best matches," said Zverev.
One thing is certain: the Hamburger is slowly but surely gaining momentum in his adopted country. An important phase of his comeback begins for Zverev in the Principality after the serious ankle injury at the French Open last June. The world number 16 said he wanted to "play his best tennis" on his favorite surface at the Masters, which is worth 6.2 million euros. announced.
Calm and powerful through the hot phases
After the arduous three-set win against Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan, he also appeared physically present in the intense game against Bautista Agut. The Spaniard initially repeatedly forced his opponent into long rallies. But Zverev held back, got through his service games and became more and more courageous. After 23 minutes he managed the first break, with an ace Zverev grabbed the lead in the set.
In the decisive moments he shone with his dominant backhand, but the Spaniard made life difficult for him afterwards. Zverev kept his cool, kept his punch - and after his second break in the second set, nothing burned.
Struff back in the top 80
Almost in step with Zverev, the second German was also convincing in Monte Carlo: Davis Cup player Jan-Lennard Struff underpinned his strong form and gave Australian Alex de Minaur, who was in 14th place, no chance in a surprising 6: 3, 6: 2. The qualifier has already secured his return to the top 80 in the world rankings and will meet Norwegian top player Casper Ruud in the round of 16.
For Zverev, things will continue in Monte Carlo too: step by step he wants to work back the self-evident fact of the successful time before his injury, two weeks of training on sand are behind him. The first results are impressive.