"If I beat Jannik and then Carlos, I will truly deserve this trophy," says Zverev about his projected path at the US Open
A three-time Grand Slam finalist, Zverev hopes more than anyone to win his first Major title. Despite consistent performances, the German first struggled against the Big 3 before losing to the generation of Sinner and Alcaraz. The 28-year-old player commented on this situation during a press conference in New York:
First the Big 3 and now Sinner-Alcaraz? That's terrible (laughs). Tennis always produces new superstars. When Sampras and Agassi retired, everyone wondered, "What now?"
Then came Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and now the superstars Sinner and Alcaraz. It's a good thing for tennis, and I'm happy about it. The popularity of our sport is very high, and if I can be a part of all this, I'm happy.
Regarding his projected path at the US Open, the 2020 finalist knows that a potential title would taste even sweeter with a victory over the two best players in the world:
"I would be more than happy to play against Jannik in the semifinals and Carlos in the final. Because if I were to realize my dream and lift the trophy by beating both of them, I would feel that I truly deserve it. But don't get me wrong—if by chance they get knocked out in the first round and I face the world number 50 in the final, well, tell me where to sign!"
He will begin his first round against Chilean Alejandro Tabilo (world No. 126).
US Open
Davis Cup: between reforms, criticism and national culture
The paradox dividing tennis: exhausted players and a saturated calendar, yet ever more exhibitions
Training future champions: spotlight on the decline of the French public model facing private academies
Is padel threatening tennis? Inside the revolution shaking up the established order