“I’m just happy to back at the level where I’m competitive” – Zverev peaking at the right time in Turin
With a come-from-behind win against world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev has declared he’s back to his “old self” at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals
© Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic
There’s something about Alexander Zverev and the Nitto ATP Finals. Despite having consistently struggled with his nerves at the business end of Grand Slams, the German has won this event twice before, prevailing in 2018 and 2021.
Now, having had a horrid year that saw the former world No 2 only beat one top 20 player in the first eight months of the season, Zverev appears to be once again returning to his best at the ATP Finals, overcoming second seed Carlos Alcaraz in a spirited 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4 match to open his campaign in Turin.
“It’s obviously a very good start to my tournament,” Zverev said on Monday. “I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Alcaraz win confirms Zverev is back to his “old self”
When asked after his victory over Alcaraz whether he considers the match one of his best in 2023, Zverev was quick to deflect the attention.
“I’m not that bad! I’ve beaten good players before,” the German retorted with a smile, before continuing to explain, “I mean, obviously it’s a big win. I think here in Turin, you don’t have any small wins because you’re only playing the best players in the world.”
For Zverev, the win speaks more to the overall trend of improvement across his season.
“A lot of up and downs, for sure,” said Zverev, about his season as a whole. “Maybe you can say the first four, five months of the season were purely downs in a way because I was barely winning matches. I was not competing for events, which was frustrating for me. I was nowhere near to being even in contention for Turin.
“I think a lot of ups in the second part of the season. I kind of got back to winning ways. I kind of got back to maybe my old self in a way. That’s why I’m sitting here, and I’m happy about that.”
Zverev v Alcaraz rivalry rekindled
The contrast to earlier in the year has never been more stark for Zverev than in his matches against Alcaraz. Just six months ago, the 26-year-old could only manage three games against Alcaraz in a 62-minute defeat.
“In the beginning of this year, I was nowhere near at his level,” admitted Zverev of his rivalry with Alcaraz. “I think you saw that in the match in Madrid where I barely won three games. I was nowhere near beating him.
“I’m just happy to be back at the level where I’m competitive with those guys, where I feel like I can win, I feel like I can compete for tournaments again.”
Sitting second in the Red Group standings at the 2023 ATP Finals, Zverev will have a day off on Tuesday before playing his second match on day four of the tournament.
