‘Oh Jesus’ was the immediate response by Alexander Zverev when he discovered that Novak Djokovic said that he could one day excel the Serbian’s title tally.
The 21-year-old illustrated why many are listing him as the future of star of the sport with his triumph at the ATP Finals. Taking on a weary Djokovic, who appeared to be suffering from the effects of a busy second half of the season, Zverev showed no mercy as he battled towards the title. Hitting a series of serves that exceeded the 140 mph mark and hitting forehands that would even draw praised from Juan Martin del Potro. A player who is regarded as having one of the best forehands on the tour.
“It’s quite astonishing, winning this title, beating two such players back-to-back, Roger and Novak, in semifinals and finals. Means so much. I’m incredibly happy and incredibly proud of this moment right now.” Said Zverev.
It is a rare occasion that a player has defeated Federer and Nadal in the last two stages of a tournament. As a matter of fact, he is only the fourth to do so. Following in the footsteps of David Nalbandian, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray.
Besides the accomplishment, this week has felt like there has been a big shift in Zverev’s career. In his press conferences, he was more informative and open. In the past, the German has been labeled by some as arrogant. A subjective statement with others arguing that the likes of Federer and co were no different at Zverev’s age.
It first came to light on Saturday in the midst of the brutal treatment he received from the crowd. The reason was due to a misunderstanding concerning why he stopped during a point in the second set tiebreaker. Less than an hour after, he was asked about the incident three times in his press conference. Then a reporter arrived late and asked him once again.
“I answered this question like three times already. I can answer it again for you if you want.” He said with a smile.
In the past, Zverev would have snapped. Over the years I have witnessed this during his time competing at the Madrid Open. Although that attitude has seemed to have gone. A relief for many, that is for sure.
It is hard to understand what it is like to be young and burden with expectation unless you have been through it personally. Sometimes there is a fine line between being arrogant and being good at something.
Zverev seems to be settling better into life on the tour and with it his tennis is improving. Although there is no hiding that he has a whole load of pressure to deal with in the future.
“Of course, he won a huge tournament, but he always had the quality to win a slam. There’s no doubt he will be one of the favorites every slam.” Djokovic said about the German with confidence.
“There’s a lot of similarities in terms of the trajectory of professional tennis, in our careers. Hopefully, he can surpass me. I sincerely wish him that.” He added.
Djokovic’s praised for Zverev is one that he has welcomed. Although the new ATP Finals champion has pledged to keep his feet firmly on the ground. Another sign of a maturing player.
“Oh, Jesus. Oh, my God.” Zverev responded to the comments. “I’ve won one of those (ATP Finals trophies). He (Djokovic) won five. He’s has won, I don’t know what, 148 titles more than me. Let’s not go there for now.”
“I hope I can do great. I mean, but just chill out a little bit.”
There is obviously room for improvement. During stages of the season-ending event, the Next Gen star had his vulnerabilities exposed on the court by others. Nevertheless, he is working on those with the help of eight-time grand slam champion Ivan Lendl, as well as his father.
“Everything I do on the court is thanks to my dad because he’s been there for the past 21 years. That’s how it is. I mean, he built my foundation. He built the person that I am.” He said.
“Obviously there’s a lot of credit to Ivan. I always say that. But my dad deserves the most credit out of everyone.“
To say that Zverev in on a trajectory to match or even excel Djokovic’s title tally is something that isn’t necessary. Nobody knows what the future holds. The only certainty is that with a maturing Zverev, comes an even better and bigger game from him.
The future is bright. We will just have to wait and see how bright it will be.
