Fourth seed Alexander Zverev has enjoyed a dream start to his US Open bid after blasting his way past Peter Polansky 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, in the first round.
The German world No.4, who is yet to go beyond the second round of the New York major, dismantled the serve of his opponent with ease. Breaking six times in the match. World No.119 Polansky secured a place in the main draw as a lucky loser. Becoming the first player in history to receive the honour at all four grand slam events.
Despite the historic accomplishment by the Canadian, Zverev was the better class of the two on the Louis Armstrong court. Not facing a single break point throughout the match as he hit 10 aces and 37 winners alongside his unforced error count of 25.
“I obviously played good from the start to finish. I had a few tough practice days here (in New York) and I wanted to prepare myself as best as I can for the last grand slam of the year.” Zverev said during his on-court interview.
“Hopefully I can continue playing the way I play and maybe get better at a few things, and see how it goes.”
The 97-minute victory was achieved on the same day as temperatures soared towards 100 degrees. On Tuesday the USTA implemented a new extreme heat policy as players such as Novak Djokovic struggled.
“It’s never easy. Obviously the conditions are tough for everyone. We had so many retirements over the last two days because of the hot weather conditions.” Zverev commented on the issue.
“For us (the players) it is tough. We don’t know how long we are going to play on the court. It is different in the NBA or in some other sports.”
Cilic backs Lendl appointment
Zverev’s win coincides with the start of his new collaboration with Ivan Lendl. Earlier this month, the 21-year-old confirmed that he will start working alongside the Czech in New York. Lendl was a three-time US Open champion during the 1980s and guided Andy Murray to his first grand slam title at the tournament in 2012.
“It is special. Thanks to him for joining my team. It’s only been a short period of time, but hopefully this is the beginning for us!” The three-time Masters 1000 champion said about his new mentor.
One of Zverev’s rivals have publicly backed the new partnership. 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic has praised the new coaching set-up. Saying is was refreshing to see such a development for a player at such a young age.
“I hope his relationship with Ivan is going to be a great one.” Said Cilic.
“It’s really nice for me to see (a player) as young as Alexander is, that he’s always looking to improve on his game, to adapt, to get better. I believe Ivan can help him with that.”
Grand slam tennis continues to be an Achilles heel for Zverev. Prior to this week, he has only managed to reach the quarter-final stage once in 13 attempts. Doing so in this year’s French Open. A record Lendl hopes to improve in New York.
“Obviously Ivan had so much success with Andy, bringing him that first Grand Slam trophy. And also the success that they had on the tour, it’s definitely amazing.” Cilic analysed.
“With his knowledge from playing and from all his experience, he can definitely bring a lot to Sascha.”
Zverev will play either Nicolas Mahut or Corentin Moutet in the second round at the US Open.
