If a player wants to triumph at a grand slam tournament, they have to be determined to end the reign of the Big Three in the eyes of Alexander Zverev.
The 22-year-old is one of a group of players hoping to one day end the trio’s reign at the biggest tournaments of the sport. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have won 51 out of the last 59 grand slam tournaments, including all of the ones that have taken place since the 2016 US Open. At present there is no player on the ATP Tour under the age of 30 with a major title.
“I’ve always said that if we want to win big titles for younger players, we also have to compete against these players. They have dominated tennis for the past 15 years. If one of us gets a Grand Slam title, that should not be because the three are gone, but because someone was better.” Zverev said during an interview with Tages Anzeiger.
“I do not want them to stop. I want to become a Grand Slam champion because I’m the best.”
Zverev has shown glares of his top ability in the past. Winning three Masters titles, as well as the prestigious ATP Finals last year in London. However, it has been a different story concerning the grand slams. He has only reached the quarter-finals twice, which was at the French Open. Only once is his career has he played a member of the Big Three at a major, which was Djokovic in Paris earlier this year.
Billed as one of the future superstars of the sport, Zverev has been forced to deal with numerous expectations back in his native home of Germany. On top of that, he is enduring a turbulent year with his legal battle against his former manager still ongoing. Zverev has now singed with Team8, which was co-founded by Federer.
“If you win a tournament, it means you have to win a Grand Slam title. I have heard this sentence 500 times in the last three years.” He states.
“But in the end, the others are even better than me at the Grand Slam tournaments. And I have to ask myself: How do I improve my game so that I can win those too? That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Perhaps one player to draw inspiration from is Daniil Medvedev, who recently defeated Zverev in the final of the Shanghai Masters. The Russian has enjoyed a sensational second half of the season where he has reached six consecutive finals. During that period he has recorded wins over five different members of the top 10.
“His achievements show the other boys what is possible.” Zverev said of his rival.
“Many are a little too impressed by the legends. There are legends, too. I also have the utmost respect for people like Roger, Rafa and Novak myself. These are the best players we have ever seen.’
“Nevertheless, when you go to the court, you have to show your game to have a chance. I think I’ve done it to others over the past two years, and more are knocking on the door now.”
Zverev lost in the first round of the Swiss Indoors on Tuesday to Taylor Fritz. He now faces a tough task of ensuring that he qualifies for the ATP Finals, where he will be defending not only his title but also 1700 ranking points.
