Original article by Luca Baldissera for UbiTennis.com
Translation by Ivan Pasquariello
After both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – who saved a match point against the German in their 4th round clash in Indian Wells – have praised Alexander Zverev, pointing out he could be the new upcoming World No.1, we decided to take into account the champions’ prediction and analyze Zverev’s game. Does he really have the potential to reach the top spot of the rankings in men’s tennis? Is he a near future Grand Slam winner? Let’s analyze the German’s game and see why, according to our technician, Alexander Zverev will indeed become World No.1.
“He’s a clear possible future No.1. He is an amazing player. He has all the shots“ has said Rafael Nadal. Roger Federer has invited Zverev more than once to practice with him, most recently at the Australian Open. Djokovic confirmed in California that the German has what it takes to climb up the ladder soon. Let’s have a closer look at Alexander’s shots to fully understand why he deserves such high praising from such champions.
HIS CONSISTENCY and MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Compared to the rest of the field of young guns, Alexander has those qualities no coach can teach, but that come natural, such as the attitude to stay aggressive on the ball, the ability to verticalize the game, the skill of cutting the court cross court to push the offence. Also the ability to play the points that matter with calm (even though the match point missed with Nadal could tell the contrary, but that has to do more with a lack of experience rather than fear).
Zverev has the consistency needed to climb the rankings, not just in his game but also mentally. For instance, Nick Kyrgios has the shots and the talent to win a major, but it seems hard to think and believe that he will be able to keep his mind straight and focused on the game for a full season without drops. Zverev, on the other hand, may count on the help coming from having a former top 50 player as his brother (Misha) and has the attitude that is needed from a player to stay on the top once that height is reached.
THE BACKHAND
Here (on the top) is Zverev’s backhand on the aggression. It is an example to take: the combination of continental-eastern grip; the perfect rotation of the left foot followed by a powerful shift to the right foot; great roundness; the weight that moves horizontally following the level of the knees into the ball; the shoulders rotating exactly at 90 degrees; the shot that is accompanied in the final part staying in line with the court; closing with the heel of the racket that looks in the direction of the shot just hit.
Zverev can hit a very good sliced backhand (picture above) when he needs it. This shot helps appreciate how low he can go, while keeping his axis balanced even when recovering laterally. Descent of the head of the racket just perfect, end of the movement horizontally vertical, with the left arm acting symmetrically to the right one. Finally, great lunge with the knees. In this case the ball is just 30 cm (12 inches) from the ground, Zverev is 2 meters tall (6 ft 6 in) but manages to easily slice it.
THE FOREHAND
The forehand hit above, Zverev hits a forehand pushing vertically. Semi-open stance, western grip, support on both feet with weight shifting from the right foot onto the left. It has to be noticed the ability to use the left arm to sustain and accompany the racket, which is kept vertically to use the whole oval, all the way until the start of the backswing. On the central frame on the top part of the photo, the moment the racket is let go of to go behind, the support is on the right foot, with the left foot lifted on the tip. In the central frame below in the pic, which represents the moment the ball is impacted, all the weight is unloaded on the left foot and is the right foot to be lifted off the ground, following the hit and knee.
In the picture above the forehand is in open stance, maneuvering from the baseline. In he top left frame once again the moment the left arm leaves the racket to help set the backswing, both feet are still falling back from the positioning step. Subsequently with the finishing of the preparation, the weight falls strong on the right foot. The left foot is initially dragged and from the hitting point on (the three bottom frames) is lifted compensating for the action of the right hip and right knee to then go down only with the conclusion of the movement in windshield wiper. Alexander doesn’t hit with full lift when semi-flanked, then easily finds the shot down the line. Otherwise he doesn’t lose on top spin, fully in open stance, with the same ease. Quite impressive to say the least.
THE SERVE
On the picture above we focus on the preparation to serve. The technique is foot-up, with the little step forward of the back foot. In the central frame, in the moment the ball is tossed the support is on the left foot, and the right foot is starting to be brought forward with a slight rotation of the tip, up to the point where it hits the frontal foot with the heel.
Right after having touched with the heel, the back foot bounces back, rotating this time internally going to lean in parallel with the left foot. After that (central frame) Zverev brings the right knee forward towards the left while the ankle starts its exiting movement. This happens in advance compared to the shoulders’ rotation, which stay open all while getting to ”trophy position”. He acts like an elastic, very similar to what Karlovic does, working a lot with the shoulders and less with the bending of the back. He can afford to do that thank to his height.
Here above the conclusion of the movement. The wrist is fast in its pronation onto the forearm. There is the perfect alignment between arm-racket, hip and left foot in the moment of impact. It is a great serve.
Finally it is interesting to take a look at this video, shot at the US Open. This video shows Alexander’s perfect footwork.
THE FINAL PREDICTION
We have a 19-year-old boy who hits and pushes the ball with incredible ease, while remaining calm and focused on court. He has an incredible footwork. He works hard and has a perfect visual on the court. It will take time to build up the muscles, together with the incorporation in his game of the ability to move forward to take points at the net (the only aspect missing in his game at the moment). Then, here you have an authentic champion, someone who can win majors in a row.
He reminds of Marat Safin for his timing, ability to push the ball and hit with the backhand. Unlike Marat though, he has the ability to keep calm and never lose focus on the match.
A future World No.1? Possibly, probably….
