This loss to Rinderknech could benefit him in the long run," says Haas about Zverev's season
Former world No. 2 and semifinalist at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Tommy Haas has been the tournament director of Indian Wells since 2016.
The German champion keeps a relatively low profile, but he recently gave an interview to Eurosport in which he discussed Alexander Zverev's situation. The current world No. 3, who lost in the first round at Wimbledon, has been struggling in major tournaments for several weeks, raising doubts about his ability to win a Grand Slam title.
Haas believes that Zverev, 28, could bounce back quickly during the American tour:
"If you look at his achievements and statistics, Sascha has had an excellent career. You could say he’s only missing one thing: that Grand Slam title he’s been striving so hard to win.
What happened at Wimbledon was unusual—it’s the first time in years that he’s lost in the first round or been eliminated relatively early. In any case, we know Wimbledon isn’t his best tournament, though that could change in the future.
It’s possible that this painful loss to Rinderknech could actually help him in the long run. Starting with the time for reflection he’s had these past few weeks. That reflection time is very valuable.
I’m sure he’ll be looking for a fresh start during the American tour, where he always plays his best tennis. It might even make him hungrier going into the US Open.
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