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FILE – Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates after winning against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman (not pictured) in the men’s final of the ‘Bett1Hulks Championships’ tennis tournament at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, West Germany, on October 25, 2020 ( Photo by Ina Fassbender / AFP)
US Open finalist Alexander Zverev insisted on Saturday that he is on track to fight for an inaugural Grand Slam title despite mounting personal cost off the court.
The world number seven will lead Germany in the ATP Cup starting in Melbourne on Tuesday, as he awaits a first Slam trophy at the next Australian Open.
But Zverev, who fell horribly short in New York with Dominic Thiem, has endured a tumultuous period that includes allegations of domestic abuse by a former girlfriend and a recent split with coach David Ferrer.
The 23-year-old, however, said he was encouraged by his strong performance in the majors last year, which included a semi-final at the Australian Open.
“I worked really hard in the offseason,” he said. “I would like to think that I did everything I could to be as well prepared as possible.”
Zverev received criticism last year, especially from Australian Open Nick Kyrgios, for flaunting social distancing rules at the ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition tournament hosted by world number one Novak Djokovic.
The German, however, backed the strict measures imposed on players before the Australian season.
“I don’t think I’ve lost much (fitness),” he said. “Being able to play in front of a crowd, not living in a bubble now during the tournament, I think a lot of players really appreciate it.
“We really shouldn’t complain too much about the circumstances.”
But Zverev agreed with the opinion of some players that superstars Djokovic and Rafael Nadal gained an advantage by preparing in the southern city of Adelaide instead of Melbourne.
“I think maybe the only real mistake was maybe Adelaide for the best players,” he said. “They had more time to practice on the court. In a way, they had more freedom. “
After emerging from the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, Zverev faces a tough start against Djokovic and Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the truncated 12-team ATP Cup.
Amid a miserable ATP Cup debut last year, where he lost all three matches, Zverev claimed just four games against No. 12 Shapovalov.
“We will know exactly where I am, my level and what I need to improve (after the ATP Cup),” he said.
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