There are too many expectations on Alexander Zverev - Davis Cup captain
The Davis Cup Germany's team captain Michael Kohlmann played down worries around Alexander Zverev. The German reached his only Grand Slam quarter-final at last year's French Open but Kohlmann feels confident for the future. "I think sometimes it's made bigger than what it is, which has probably something to do with the fact that after many years there is a new one again that makes you feel like if he can follow Boris Becker's footsteps and maybe win a Grand Slam title", said Zverev.
Kohlmann also answered the criticism around Zverev saying "I am on my boat tomorrow" after his third round Wimbledon loss to Ernests Gulbis at last year's Wimbledon. "It was an out of context saying, and he did not definitely mean to say: 'Leave me alone, I am the biggest."
According to Kohlmann, Zverev is a good guy: "He is not just nice with his teammates, but he is also a trip mate. Inside, Zverev is seen in a different way than the public, so I never heard bad things. He is already a world-class star."
"He does not ask for any special treatment. We try to make the player as comfortable as possible. And the team's strength is that they are all very co-operative."
Is a Zverev's Grand Slam win just a matter of time? "Yes, I think so. We have discussed with players and coaches, and Sascha was often their pick."
Kohlmann also praised the six-time Grand Slam winner Boris Becker's role: "Boris does not just sit on the bench, but he is as involved as the others."
"Through the Federation, we offer younger players a good chance for their daily education, but also the guys who choose a different journey can be packed by us providing there us an agreement about the tournaments plan and the training."
About the Davis Cup finals, Kohlmann added: "We want to travel to Madrid with the best possible team and we cannot be underestimated even if Alexander Zverev does not play."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2BJdBFy
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