Melbourne (AP) – After the first win in the ATP Cup in his career, Alexander Zverev was just delighted.
After a three-set win over Denis Shapovalov, the US Open finalist said “winning something for his country is one of the biggest things in the game,” with which he scored a breakthrough against Canada ahead of time. Jan-Lennard Struff had previously won against Milos Raonic in two tight tie-break sets. The final defeat of Struff and Kevin Kretz in doubles was of no consequence.
Last year, Zverev lost all three of his singles at the premiere of the team event and sometimes featured terrific performances. On Wednesday, the 23-year-old did not manage everything against number twelve in the world. When it came down to it, Zverev was in a tie-break for the third set. “I played very good balls in the tie-break and luckily I got a win for our team.”
On Thursday (00.00 pm CET / Sky and Cervus TV) in the German night, Zverev and company are now up against the champions Serbia for the semi-finals. The Serbs also initially won against Canada. Following the first one between Struff and Dusan Lajovic, there is a top duel between Zverev and world number one Novak Djokovic. “There are always special doubles against Novak, you have to show your best tennis,” said Zverev. “Last year we were eliminated in the group stage, this time we really want to go to the semi-finals.”
Italy and Russia are already present, each celebrating their second victory on Wednesday. The semi-finals will then take place on Friday, the final on Saturday. On Monday, the Australian Open begins for the facility at Melbourne Park, where Zverev was only eliminated in the semi-final against Austrian Dominic Thiem last year.
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