Alexander Zverev after the opening victory in Hamburg: home air is good
Alexander Zverev once raised his fist, looked up in relief and let the Hamburg audience celebrate extensively. "I just felt more comfortable here than on the other courts," said Germany's number one tennis player after he had a made-to-measure start in his hometown: "I am happy that I am at home and playing in my home country."
by SID
last edit: Jul 24, 2019, 01:47 pm
Three weeks after his frustrated departure at Wimbledon, the fifth in the world rankings prevailed against the Chilean Nicolas Jarry at the European Open at Rothenbaum after a strong performance with 6: 4, 6: 2 and entered the round of 16. After 1:11 hours, Zverev ended the game with an ace.
The audience at the Rothenbaum cheers loudly. The entry into Hamburg was particularly important for Zverev , his next opponent is the Argentine Federico Delbonis.
Jan-Lennard Struff had already mastered his opening hurdle before. The round of 16 participants of the French Open beat Brazilian Thiago Monteiro 6: 1, 6: 3 and confirmed his good form recently. It continues for Struff against Pablo Carreno Busta (Spain), who defeated Yannick Hanfmann (Munich) 7: 6 (7: 5), 6: 4. Rudolf Molleker (Berlin) is also still in the tournament.
"It won't be an easy match," said Zverev before his first serve in Hamburg since 2016. Jarry came to Hamburg with his first tournament success behind him, he had triumphed in Bastad / Sweden on Sunday. Zverev, on the other hand, only looks for his rhythm after the break-in in the first round of Wimbledon against the Czech Jiri Vesely.
As expected, the start was successful. Zarrev's second service game was grabbed by Zverev after a backhand rally, and with a powerful game he fought off two breakballs shortly afterwards. "Come on," called Zverev, his body language was very positive.
Alexander Zverev: "Atmosphere was brilliant"
Even when it got tricky at the end of the first sentence, he kept calm. In the second round he got a better grip on the powerful baseline player Jarry. Overall, Zverev performed well and was able to enjoy the atmosphere. "The atmosphere for a first lap was really awesome," he said relaxed.
His nerve costume was last attacked, after Wimbledon the winner of the ATP finals of 2018 first looked for distance from the felt ball. Zverev went on vacation and dealt with the tiresome argument with his ex-manager Patricio Apey. He also spoke clear words in the direction of his trainer Ivan Lendl, whom he also publicly criticized at the press appointment in Hamburg.
The opening victory in Hamburg was a first step. Zverev's claim is a long stay in the Hanseatic city: "I hope that was just the beginning for me. It was a first round. I would like to win tournaments like this." The finale rises on Sunday.