Zverev's fighting spirit: On the way to the revenge at the US Open

Zverev's fighting spirit: On the way to the revenge at the US Open

Alexander Zverev, the Olympic champion of 2021, showed an impressive performance at the US Open in New York and fought into the next round. After a convincing victory over the American Brandon Nakashima in the round of the last 16, the German tennis professional once again sparked hope of his first Grand Slam title. Zverev prepared in a relaxed atmosphere for the upcoming duel against Taylor Fritz, which already throws shadows on the bitterly in Wimbledon.

With a clear 3: 6, 6: 1, 6: 2, 6: 2, Zverev Nakashima defeated in a game that not only marked his 450th victory on the ATP tour, but also secured the premature qualification for the ATP Finals in November. Despite the oppressive temperatures of 28 degrees and high humidity, Zverev faced several challenges during the game. This included its own phase of weakness, a worrying moment when he kinked, and an unexpected invasion of flying insects in the middle of the action.

an unexpected moment of fright

During the match there was a frightened second when Zverev, in the fourth set, kinked unhappily and began to limp briefly. This scene brought back memories of his injury -related difficulties in the past, but the tennis professional gave the all -clear after the game. "I took a strange step, but everything is fine," said Zverev. "It's nothing you have to worry about." For the 27-year-old, this is now a decisive difference compared to his Wimbledon round of 16, in which he was restricted with a knee injury.

a duel in mind

Zverev's upcoming match against Taylor Fritz, who prevailed in an exciting game against Casper Ruud, has both challenges and anticipation. In the past, Fritz has fought some close games against the German and is aware that the upcoming competition could decide everything. "We often have scarce matches, that can go in any direction," he said of her rivalry. Zverev emerged from nine meetings five times as the winner, but the last duel that took place at Wimbledon was a setback for him.

It was particularly striking Zverev's ability to recover from setbacks and to dominate the game in the further course. After winning the second sentence, he received a fresh couple shoes from his father, who is also his trainer, which contributed to significantly improving his rhythm of play. "I am very happy that I am ahead," he said after the victory over Nakashima and looked confidently into the future.

The game was described by Boris Becker, a former tennis professional who works as an expert at Sportdeutschland.tv, as one of Zverev's best achievements recently. "He did not let himself be disturbed and was one of the best performances that I have seen from him for a long time," commented Becker and praised the high level that Zverev delivered in the last sentences.

With his new self-confidence and a healthy constitution, Zverev is motivated to realize his long-cherished dream and to achieve the first Grand Slam title. "I do everything I can. I give everything, hopefully it is so far at a point of my career," says his hopeful announcement. The coming days will show whether Zverev is willing to achieve this goal and overcome the hurdle Fritz.