World No.7 Alexander Zverev admits that he has a lot of work to do on the tour following his below-par performance at the inaugural ATP Cup in Brisbane.
The top ranked German player suffered his third consecutive loss at the team tournament on Tuesday to Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Sliding to a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2, defeat in 71 minutes. Similar to his previous defeats in the competition to Alex de Minaur and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Zverev’s Achilles heel was his serve. Against Shapovalov he produced seven double faults and only managed to win seven out of 24 points behind his second serve.
Seeking to downplay his current form on the tour, the 22-year-old said it was normal for him to be playing far from his best at the start of a season. However, 12 months ago, he won all three of his opening matches at the Hopman Cup.
“I’m not playing good, so there’s a lot of things that I still need to improve, but it’s the start of the season.” Zverev assured during his press conference.
“Usually at the Hopman Cup when I play I always played bad as well. But this is unfortunate,this is a more competitive event, I think.’
“The first match I actually thought I played okay — the serving was horrible — but then I played two very bad matches, but what can I do.”
Zverev’s ATP Cup matches
-Vs Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-7(3), 2-6
-Vs Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-6, 4-6
-Vs Denis Shapovalov 2-6, 2-6
Critics says part of Zverev’s rusty display was caused by his decision to take part in a series of exhibition events along with Roger Federer throughout the off-season. The two tennis stars travelled to countries across South America during November and then China at the end of December. Last year Zverev signed with Team8 management, which was co-founded by Federer. It has been reported by German media that his exhibition duties was linked to his new contract. Although Ubitennis can’t verify this.
“I had like five days less than I normally have.” He commented on his off-season.
“I didn’t practice a lot of tennis. I think you can see that on the tennis court.”
Germany have been officially eliminated from the ATP Cup after falling 2-1 to Canada in their final group tie. The decisive match was in the doubles where Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime stunned French Open doubles champions Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies 6-3, 7-6(4). Overall, Germany managed to win three out of nine matches played.
Despite his misfortunes, Zverev has hailed the new team event. Which has been billed as a threat to the existence of the historic Davis Cup.
“The ATP Cup is good. Obviously it hasn’t been the best for me, but it’s fun, it’s a new event.” He concluded. “I like team competitions. I think it’s the first year I think it’s still going to improve every year that we will have it.”
Zverev is not scheduled to play another event until the Australian Open.
