World No.5 Tomas Berdych has praised young German player Alexander Zverev during an exclusive interview in Stockholm.
Berdych was speaking about Zverev ahead of his first meeting against him in the second round of the Stockholm Open. The Czech is familiar with the Germans game after spending some weeks training with the 18-year-old in the past. Both players work with the same fitness coach during their season. Berdych said that he thinks that Zverev has a ‘bright future’ ahead of him.
“He is a good kid, he is very talented and i think he has a bright future ahead of him. Our first meeting it’s going to be interesting”. Berdych said.
“He has all the aspects to be a good player”. He added.
In the first round of the Stockholm Open Zverev defeated Swedish wild card Mikael Ymer in three sets. The win was a big confidence boost for the youngster who entered the tournament with a lack of wins after a series of early exits in numerous tournaments. Since reaching the quarterfinals in Washington at the start of August, the German hasn’t won a main draw match until this week. Zverev is currently ranked 83rd in the world, nine places below his career high.
Also during the interview, Berdych talked about life on the tour. Despite openly admitting that he finds it hard to label one player as his best friend, the Czech described the atmosphere on the tour as ‘one big family’.
“Well, it’s really difficult to say one name – confessed Berdych – We spend a lot of time together. At the end, it’s still a big competition and it’s really hard to find that deep friendship. The way it all works is great, we are like a big family. There is a lot of respect and no fights”.
The 30-year-old will be bidding for his third title in Stockholm this week and his second of the year. He has previously won the tournament in 2012 and 2014. The Czech will be eager for a good run in Sweden as he prepares for the BNP Paribas Masters followed by the ATP World Tour finals next month.
Full Interview
