Zverev does not hide: "I am looking for my first Grand Slam and the world No. 1"

Fernando Murciego | 15 Nov 2024 | 17.59

Alexander Zverev, more ambitious than ever. Source: Getty

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Alexander Zverev can be very proud of how things are going for him in the Nitto ATP Finals 2024. Even though it is his seventh participation in the Masters event, the German had never before gone undefeated in the group stage, not even in the seasons when he was the champion (2018, 2021). Such is the level of the German that Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, and Carlos Alcaraz have not been able to take a single set from him in three matches. A superiority that reflects the challenging calendar he has signed up for from Hamburg. Before knowing who will be his opponent in the semifinals, we hear Sascha reflect on his latest victory against Carlitos.

Undefeated in the group stage

"I still cared a lot about whether I won or lost this match; this tournament is very special. But yes, maybe I approached it with a more relaxed mindset, which can help you mentally. Maybe I should do that in all tournaments from now on (laughs). In the end, I think it was a high-level match from both of us, especially in crucial moments when we both raised our games. I just hope we provided something entertaining for the spectators."

How did you experience the match?

"After the first set, I already knew I was through to the semifinals. Of course, you feel joy, you enjoy it on the court, especially after that last point, which was ridiculous. During the match, I was talking to my brother about where I should position myself for the second serves; he was giving me some instructions, but I couldn't see much because the stadium was completely dark (laughs). In the end, he asked my father so it would be simpler; he told me to step back on second serves, much more straightforward than the signals in 50 different languages my brother was using, I didn't understand any of them."

Looking to improve his volley

"It's an area we're working on 100%; I'm still far from executing volleys like my brother used to, perhaps that's why I'm still not the world No. 1, but No. 2 (laughs). I still have things to improve for the next year; hopefully, I can achieve that. My goal for 2025 is Roland Garros; it's been marked on my calendar since that injury, it's like a giant cross that always comes around those dates. It's no secret: I'm looking for a Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 spot. If it's not Roland Garros, then any other, I would sign for it right now. If it happens in Paris, it would be special, but if it's elsewhere, I would also be happy."

Joking at the net with Alcaraz

"I told him that this year he had already beaten me too much, so he had to at least beat me once in an important match. I think we had some ridiculous points during the tiebreak of the first set, but that's Carlos. Maybe he's not playing his best tennis, as was the case, although today I think he was phenomenal. I just notice that sometimes, despite not reaching his best level, he can become a different player in crucial moments. Suddenly, you can't hit a winner against him, or suddenly he hits all the shots on the line, that's what makes him one of the best."

Almost 70 wins in 2024

"It's good to have won so many matches this year, but it's not something I usually think about day by day. Personally, I think about winning big tournaments and improving my game for the next year to compete with Carlos and Jannik, that's what's on my mind right now. For now, I'm in the semifinals this week, and I'm happy about that; tomorrow I have the chance to play again against Taylor, who beat me the last two times we faced each other. I'm looking forward to that match."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev no se esconde: "Estoy buscando mi primer Grand Slam y el Nº1 del mundo”