'Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have a lot more than...', says Top 5

Alexander Zverev may have changed his career thanks to the gold he won at the Tokyo Olympics. Under a set and a semi-final break against Novak Djokovic, hardly anyone could have imagined that the German would win ten of the last eleven games of the match. Reinvigorated by the success against the number 1 ATP, Sascha transformed the last act against Khachanov into a real formality, sealing one of the most important triumphs of his young career, certainly the most special. The confidence he built up in Japan also helped him last week in Cincinnati, where he took his fifth title at the Masters 1000 level. Alexander dominated four of five games played in Ohio, brilliantly recovering Stefanos Tsitsipas in a semi-final he had set. really bad (the Greek in fact led by two breaks in the third set). Zverev has therefore extended his unbeaten streak to 11 games, as well as becoming the fifth most successful player in the 1000s among active players behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Alexander Zverev on the Big 3

"Well, but Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have a lot more than me," Alexander Zverev said when asked what it means to him to be the Masters titles leader after the Big 3 and Murray. "We have to also say that. They're great players. I think the three of them are the greatest of all time. Obviously they are not finished yet. They are all going to still be playing tennis. I think they are going to be competing for the biggest titles, as well." The absence of Federer and Nadal coupled with Djokovic's underwhelming campaign at the Tokyo Olympics has provided hope to players such as Zverev still looking for their first Grand Slam title. "The US Open is a week that everybody is looking forward to," Zverev said. "I think Novak will be back. He's obviously going to be the favorite, as well. But I think other guys are going to be in great shape. I'm looking forward to the week. Let's see how it goes. But there is still one week to go. I still have a lot of work ahead of me. I have to find my rhythm in New York, as well, and, I'm looking forward to the US Open." Zverev refused to jump to any conclusions himself. "We have to see," the 24-year-old said. "The other guys are still there, right? Novak is still World No. 1. Let's not forget that. Rafa is still top 10, as well. They are still there. I think after the injury comeback, they're going to come back even stronger. But we'll see."

 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3B8kWLf