Zverev: "The physical aspect was the most important part of my pre-season".

Alexander Zverev defeated Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4 in the United Cup. After Germany's 3-0 victory over Brazil, Zverev was asked in a press conference about his pre-season.

The German replied: "I'm back with Jez Green, my fitness trainer. I worked with him for seven years, then we went our separate ways for three years.

The physical aspect was the most important part of my pre-season. I feel I lost one or two games last year because I was tired, and I don't want that to happen this year. They were big games.

It was at the Australian Open, against Daniil Medvedev, where I was a bit ill, playing with a fever, and also at Roland-Garros against Carlos Alcaraz, where I was tired.

Again, I don't want that to happen again, so I'm working hard on that aspect.

I think tennis may need more time to adapt this year than last."

Zverev will face Zhang Zhizhen this Monday, to qualify Germany for the United Cup quarter-finals.