French Open: Alexander Zverev thinks balls are "better than the old ones"
Alexander Zverevspoke about neo-coach David Ferrer and the new balls at the press conference after his opening success against Dennis Novak .
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Sep 28, 2020, 11:23 am
Alexander Zverev will be looked after by David Ferrer for the first time at the French Open - and according to the German top star, the Spaniard has a clear influence on him. "He does everything a little bit. He's a personality that I like to have around me," said Zverev after his 7: 5, 6: 2, 6: 4 opening win against Austrian Dennis Novak: "We have a lot of fun together."
Zverev emphasized that he was on the same wavelength as the former French Open finalist when it came to tennis. "We have a very similar mindset, and it's very easy to work together. I hope he enjoys it too."
Zverev thinks balls are "better than the old ones"
After losing the final at the US Open against his friend Dominic Thiem, he needed time to regain his mental strength, said the 23-year-old. Now he wants to fight for his next big chance again. "I believe that I will be a Grand Slam champion," said Zverev.
When it comes to balls, in particular, the seventh in the world rankings has his own opinion. He thinks, according to Zverev, that the old Babolat balls were the "worst ever". "The current balls are much better than the ones before," said the German. Of course, the balls are different for every player, but they would fit well for him and, in his opinion, reasonably well suited for sand.
Previously, both Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal, the two dominators of the Grand Slam at the Bois de Bolougne, had classified the balls as rather useless for a major on clay. The Iberian had even announced between the lines that the balls had a certain health-endangering effect on the players. The balls are not the best choice, especially for the shoulder.
Good way for the German
In the second round he meets the American Michael Mmoh or Pierre-Hugues Herbert from France. As a result, the path towards the quarter-finals looks reasonably feasible for the 23-year-old. Marco Checcinato could wait in round three, Jannik Sinner would be a possible opponent in the round of 16, the young Italian bowled David Goffin out of the tournament yesterday, Sunday, in a quite impressive manner.
Click here for the French Open draw.
rg2020