Alexander Zverev feels more respect in the cabin
Alexander Zverev lived up to his new status as Olympic champion at the start of the US Open. Oscar Otte is looking forward to a real "away game" after his surprise.
by SID
last edit:
Sep 01, 2021, 11:13 am
Alexander Zverev feels his new status every day in New York. When the German tennis top player trudges through the cabin wing of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, he registers different looks than before. And some professionals even walk a little arc when the Olympic champion arrives.
"It's funny to see. You only get that with the other top boys, Federer, Nadal or Djokovic," said the German number one at Eurosport after the successful start against American Sam Querrey: "It was with me no different now. "
Zverev likes the change brought about by the gold coup in Tokyo, his biggest title to date. He wants to be one of those players. Stand out among the champions who get special attention on the tour. He's already hoping for the big bang at the US Open - his first Grand Slam title, which he was so close to in the world metropolis last year.
Zverev sovereign against Querrey
The first impression was positive. Despite the initially tough resistance at 6: 4, 7: 5, 6: 2 against Querrey, Zverev always radiated that he would win the match. He will also be the clear favorite on Thursday against Albert Ramos-Vinolas from Spain, number 48 in the world rankings. As in every other match up to the semi-finals - if it could go against Novak Djokovic. Against the man who wants to complete the Grand Slam in New York, victory in all four majors of the year.
"I have won two tournaments, I have a winning streak of twelve matches," said Zverev, who still sees Djokovic as the number one tournament favorite: "I hope I can maintain my level and maybe even improve it, because to beat Novak here, will be an extremely difficult task. " The 18-year-old Dane Holger Rune took Djokovic off a sentence at the beginning.
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Oscar Otte "megahappy"
Jan-Lennard Struff would also have gladly accepted the maximum challenge, but the German number two surprisingly failed at the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor and thus missed the possible duel with Djokovic.
On the other hand, Oscar Otte from Cologne is completely on top, convincing against the Italian Lorenzo Sonego, who was in 20th position, and after Wimbledon with a 6: 7 (8:10), 7: 5, 7: 6 (7: 4), 7: 6 (7: 1) made it into the second round again. "I'm mega-happy right now," said the 28-year-old, who now also wants to annoy the American Denis Kudla.
The outsider is also looking forward to many fans cheering on the opponent. "That pushes me, because I can draw energy from it," said Otte: "It will definitely be a good match." And a real "away game".
Here the single tableau in New York
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