Zverev can get really close to Federer, Nadal, Djokovic - BMW Open chief
The Munich Open tournament director Patrik Kuhnen believes that Alexander Zverev can compete with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on a consistent basis in the 2019 season. Speaking to Tennis World USA about Zverev, who will be back to play in Munich this year, said: 'This year is gonna be an interesting year because I believe the win he has achieved at the ATP Finals in London beating Federer and Djokovic back to back has been tremendous for his confidence. The ultimate goal for him is to become world No. 1. If we look at the ranking points there is still quite a gap but anything is possible. I think this year he can really get close to the top three players. And I think these big three players see him as a threat for the number one more than ever.'
Asked if they tried to bring the Big 3 in Munich in the recent times, Kuhnen replied: 'Our goal is to have a strong and compelling field. If you look at Nadal, Barcelona is the week before Munich and Madrid is the week after Munich. So Nadal focuses on Barcelona and Madrid. Federer played here in 2003, the year when his career really took off.'
Will Gael Monfils and Fabio Fognini, who have been criticized by some of the organizers for lack of effort, come back to play consistently in 2019? 'Fognini had a great season in 2018, coming back in the top 15 rankings while Monfils had a tough year. It's also a scheduling matter, whether if they play that week or not.'
Kuhnen also believes that playing Munich can help Zverev again to perform well in the following tournaments: last two years he has won Munich and he has played tremendously well in the weeks after Munich. In the overall clay-court season approach, playing Munich has been a boost for him ahead of Madrid and Rome. The transition from Munich to Madrid has been very easy. You can also fly from here to there over a short time.'
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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2RNn7AT
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