World No.5 Alexander Zverev is confident that nerves will not be a factor for him in his country’s upcoming Davis Cup tie.
The 20-year-old will lead Germany against Australia in their clash at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane. Zverev is the only top 50 player from his country taking part. In comparison, Australia will feature world No.14 Nick Kyrgios as well as top 5 doubles player Johnny Peers.
Zverev, who lost in the third round of the Australian Open, is remaining upbeat about his team’s chances of winning. Germany defeated Australia 3-2 the last time they played each other in 2012. Trying to repeat that result in Brisbane, Zverev has dismissed speculation that he will be under pressure to perform.
“I’ve been dealing with it for a while now, so it’s fine.” Zverev told daviscup.com. “That comes with it when you’re in the top 10. Obviously you’re supposed to win most of the matches you play and that’s something you have to learn to deal with, and I think i’m OK with it, so I don’t think about it too much.”
Since making his debut in 2016, Zverev has only managed to win one out of five matches in the competition. His next test will be against Australian rising star Alex de Minaur. A player who recently reached back-to-back semi finals in Brisbane and Sydney. The 18-year-old is currently ranked 139th in the world.
Speaking about the upcoming clash, Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt has said that de Minaur has nothing to lose against Zverev.
“Obviously his movement is really good out there, so he’s gonna try and make the court as small as possible for Zverev.” Said Hewitt.
“He makes a lot of balls out there, as well, a lot of pressure and expectation is going to be on Zverev to get out there and get the job done. He’s the red hot favourite in that match and it’s going to be interesting to see how he handles it.”
The two players are yet to play against each other. Zverev remains the clear favourite, but he will not be underestimating his younger rival. De Minaur has already defeated five top 50 players this season, including Milos Raonic and Feliciano Lopez.
In the other singles match on the opening day of the tie, Kyrgios will take on Jan-Lennard Struff in what will also be their first meeting.
Australia currently leads Germany 4-3 in their Davis Cup head-to-head.
