Germany’s Alexander Zverev says he has high expectations of himself at this year’s Wimbledon Championships but admits he faces a tall order to win his maiden major title.
The world No.6 disposed of Tennys Sandgren 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, in his second round match on Thursday. He is now through to the last 32 of the tournament for the fourth time in his career but only once has he reached the fourth round. Against Sandgren, the German won 84% of his first service points and was unbroken throughout their clash.
Gaining momentum, Zverev is quietly confident about his chances of having a deep run in the draw. Although he admits that rival Novak Djokovic remains the frontrunner. The Serbian is bidding to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title and sixth overall. Djokovic is currently unbeaten in major tournaments this year after winning both the Australian Open and French Open.
“I do believe I’m at a stage where I can come to a tournament to win,” said Zverev. “I think it’s no secret that Novak is the favourite. I think he’s an even bigger favourite here than all the other Grand Slams simply because of the surface.”
Zverev belongs to a contingent of players trying to take over from the reign of the Big Three who are all over the age of 30. He has already won a quartet of Masters 1000 titles, as well as the 2018 ATP Finals. Facing top 10 opposition, he has scored 31 wins with four of those taking place this season over Stefanos Tsitsipas (Acapulco), Rafael Nadal (Madrid), Matteo Berrettini (Madrid) and Dominic Thiem (Madrid).
“I think the young guys still need to learn how to play on a grass court. But we are doing that each year,” he explains. “We need to learn how to move on it, we need to know the position of the court.But I’m not in a position right now where I’m satisfied with just a quarterfinal or a semifinal. I am here to compete and at least give myself the best chance to do so.”
The 24-year-old is competing in his 24th Grand Slam main draw. His best ever run was to the final of the US Open last year where he lost to Dominic Thiem, as well as the semi-finals of the Australian Open (2020) and French Open (2021).
In the third round at Wimbledon, Zverev faces a showdown with Taylor Fritz who is enjoying a dream run at the event. The American underwent meniscus surgery on his right knee just last month and hadn’t played a match on the grass leading up to the Grand Slam. Nevertheless, Fritz outlasted Steve Johnson 6-4, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, in his second round match.
“I’m very surprised that he’s actually playing here and I’m very surprised how well he’s playing. I have to give credit to him for coming back this quickly,” Zverev commented on his upcoming rival.
“I think on a grass court he’s extremely dangerous. He has a very fast serve and has big weapons. We played a very difficult match here (in 2018). I’m looking forward to it because I know it’s not going to be easy.”
Should he win, Zverev will then play either Nick Kyrgios or Felix Auger-Aliassime.