The Next Gen hope
Will Melbourne Park be the place where a member of the Next Generation finally secured their breakthrough on the tour?
Alexander Zverev has been tipped by many to succeed the likes of Djokovic and co in the future. After winning his biggest title yet in November at the ATP Finals, the German is hoping to go one step further and claim a grand slam. Although his recent preparation has been marred by an ankle injury and hamstring problem.
“It’s just a little bit swollen. I didn’t actually twist it,” he commented about his ankle.
“I just kind of went over it a little bit. You know, actually what happened was a bone pushed against another bone.
“There was, like, inflammation between those two bones.
“I’m fine. I’m going to play with the tape. It’s just a little bit uncomfortable, but it’s nothing that can get worse or anything like that. I’m actually quite relaxed about it.”
Zverev is yet to reach the last 16 at the tournament. In the majors, his best performance occurred at last year’s French Open where he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Dominic Thiem.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is already on course to become the greatest Greek player of all time at the age of 20. He already has two ATP titles to his name and is currently ranked 15th in the world. Tsitsipas will be hoping for a strong run in Melbourne following his surprise loss to Andreas Seppi at the Sydney International.
Meanwhile, home hopes hang on Alex de Minaur. The Australian recently claimed his maiden title on the tour at the Sydney International. The prodigy, who has been compared to mentor Lleyton Hewitt throughout his career, hopes to capitalize on his recent success.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence. To be able to do it at my home in front of my friends and family, it’s always that much more special,” he said.
“Coming in, it’s given me a lot of confidence. Hopefully I can just ride that momentum and keep playing some great tennis here in Melbourne.”
