Alexander Zverev doesn’t get going – why the season is a rollercoaster ride

Alexander Zverev knows the clock is ticking.

With players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner or Denis Shapovalov, the 23-year-old belongs to the group of even younger professionals who are already scratching Zverev’s status. It is therefore only too understandable that the German addresses the aspect of time.

Zverev does not skimp on criticism of himself

Even at the Australian Open, a youngster with Shapovalov put a big spanner in the works. Zverev competed to win his first Grand Slam title and, as a bonus, also to take first place in the world rankings.

It was “the worst match since Wimbledon,” said Zverev. He described it as “silly” to think about the first Grand Slam title in this situation.

Not enough for your own needs.

Zverev: That’s why it doesn’t work anymore

But what’s wrong? Missing in Melbourne Eurosport expert Boris Becker at Zverev “the rebellion, the unconditional will”. The body language did not express that the 24-year-old wanted to win the tournament.

Other weaknesses showed up against Ruud in Miami. Zverev seemed to lack energy, especially at the beginning, Ruud’s basic strokes with a lot of topspin caused the favorite to have serious problems. In addition, the number four in the world played with a tape over the neck muscles.

The competition is also getting better and better at adapting to Zverev’s game, which is very dependent on the serve.

At Zverev, however, the overall package is not right at the moment, the last punch is missing, even if he gave new impetus in Miami by working with coach Sergi Bruguera on a test basis.

Perhaps it is therefore a fortunate coincidence that it is now continuing in Monaco, the adopted home of the Hamburger. From April 10th there will be a clay court masters in the Monte Carlo Country Club. Zverev has not yet been able to win the traditional competition, which has been held since 1897, but has won three of his five Masters titles on sand.

Zverev: “Great year, but can get better”

But if the tennis star wants to progress on his own and live up to his ambitions, he has to find his gala form from the previous year. That’s the yardstick, at least – or as Zverev himself said after the splendid year 2021: “I’ve won six tournaments. Two 500 tournaments, two Masters, the Olympic Games and the ATP Finals. It was a great year, but it can get even better!”