Defending men’s champion Roger Federer has claimed World No. 4 Alexander Zverev will pose the biggest threat to his chances of winning back-to-back Australian Open crowns in Melbourne.
Federer, who is yet to lose a singles match in the ongoing Hopman Cup in Perth, said that the 20-year-old German has made enough sacrifices during the off-season that would definitely make him a potent force at the season’s first Grand Slam.
The pundits have backed the Swiss great to win his 20th Major in Victoria. However, Federer’s own fitness has remained a mystery for some time now. His back issues have grabbed headlines in the recent past with his chances of winning a sixth US Open trophy greatly undermined when the same problem resurfaced during the American summer in 2017.
But, Roger has recovered from that issue at present and there’s no doubt that the signs are ominous for his rivals.
“I think every year that goes by he’s only going to become stronger at the Slam level,” said Federer.
“He’s going to be very tough to beat here at the Australian Open. I think he’s doing all the right things.
“He had a great pre-season, he arrived early here in Perth. He’s put in some sacrifices.”
Zverev had a spectacular season in 2017, securing two Masters 1000 titles and rising to No. 3 in the rankings. However, in his opinion, it was his win over former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the Rome Masters final which was the standout moment of his stellar campaign last year.
“(It) was something I didn’t expect maybe,” said Zverev. “Because it was on clay as well, a surface that other players had dominated for such a long time.
“I knew I could beat the best players but I’ve never really done it on clay. It was probably the most amazing tournament.”
“The first time I came here I was 18 years old, I was ranked 80 something in the world, now I’m the No 4,” Zverev told the Hopman Cup.
“Things have changed a little bit but obviously I don’t want to stop here.
“I keep wanting to improve and keep wanting to get better because there is so much more I can accomplish.”
