Happy in Hamburg: Zverev only disturb the e-scooters
The rapid opening win in Hamburg was entirely to the taste of the recently troubled Alexander Zverev. Germany's number one wants to experience the tournament week in its home country until the final day.
by SID
last edit: Jul 24, 2019, 02:34 pm
Alexander Zverev is happy in Hamburg. Almost everything is correct. The best German tennis player has got off to a good start on the Center Court on Rothenbaum, and the 22-year-old enjoys his free time to the full on well-known terrain in his hometown. The heat plays into his cards. And yet there is something to complain about - at least with a wink. Zverev doesn't like the electric scooters that can be found everywhere in the Hanseatic city.
"They have a limit and only drive 20 km / h. In contrast to Paris, I think that shit," said Zverev. And laughed. He just likes it fast - like when he beat Chilean Nicolas Jarry. After the convincing 6: 4, 6: 2 and the roaring applause of his home crowd, Zverev felt the relief three weeks after the frustrated departure from Wimbledon. But the fifth in the world rankings also immediately stressed that the move to the round of 16 is far from satisfying.
"It was a first round. I hope it's just the beginning," said Zverev. He was youngster Rudolf Molleker (Berlin) and followed the formally strong Jan-Lennard Struff (Warstein) in the top 16 and will meet Argentinian Federico Delbonis on Thursday: "I want to win tournaments like this, I definitely want to go far. " Then his self-confidence will reach a completely different level in this difficult season.
A highlight of the year is yet to come at the US Open from August 20. Then things get down to business on a hard court, which is why Zverev had preferred the tournament in Washington, which he won in each case, to clay court tennis in Hamburg in the past two years. This summer he chose another way. Hamburg should become an important stopover for the still young professional, who was also thrown off the track by the legal dispute with his ex-manager Patricio Apey.
Zverev is undoubtedly one of the favorites to win the tournament in the Hanseatic city. In the seed list only the Austrian Dominic Thiem towers over him. There is still a long way to go before a possible finale for the two buddies, Zverev would like to further revive the feeling of home. He will only do without tours with the e-scooters, such as at the French Open.