‘Beat Me Too Many Times’-Alexander Zverev Opens Up About Thrilling Rivalry with Taylor Fritz After Turning the Corner at ATP Finals

Finally, it seems that Alexander Zverev is ready for whatever the best players in the ATP have to throw at him. After endless heartbreaks, vying for the Grand Slam, and extra practices after the tournament, the German Ace has defeated Carlos Alacarz. And now his sight is set on his next target at the ATP Finals’ semifinal. Ahead of the clash, Zverev opened up about his next opponent, Taylor Fritz. And how the latter is another rival to beat after facing defeats at the major occasions.

It was a thrilling night at the ATP Finals on Friday. Zverev faced an ailing Alcaraz, who refused to give any space despite suffering from cold and congestion. However, the German Ace pulled away with a win with 7(7)-6(5), 6-4. Afterwards, Zverev touched upon his position at the top of his group, for being undefeated one with 3-0 in the round-robin stage. “It has been three fantastic matches, but yeah, I’m happy with being 3-0 in the group for sure,” he began his statement. Not to forget, the German have faced saddening results at the crucial stages.

During the Australian Open, he was a semifinalist, ousted by Daniil Medvedev. And Carlos Alcaraz got the better of him at the Indian Wells and French Open. While Taylor Fritz defeated him at the Wimbledon Championships R4, and the US Open QFs. Hence, Zverev is not taking things lightly as he prepares for the ATP Finals semifinals. “But I think that now the semifinals is going to be very difficult, no matter who is it against. I think it’s against Taylor, right? So, he beat me the last few times at the slams.”

Moreover, after a rigorous training schedule, Zverev is more than ready to exact revenge on old foes. “I’m definitely looking forward to that match. He beat me too many times this year in important matches.” Hence, Zverev is more than happy to pay back Taylor Fritz. However, other than the extensive rivalry, Fritz and Zverev have a pretty wonderful friendship.

Praising Fritz, he further added, “But you know, just generally, sharing a court with him, he’s a great guy. And you know, I’m looking forward to the next matches with him as well.” If Alexander Zverev keeps up his form and defeats, his next test would be Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz, Sinner and Fritz were on Zverev’s list to beat and rise at the top. While the Alcaraz’s mountain has been conquered, Fritz and Sinner are next. All hard work is paying off for the German Ace. But who prompted Zverev to reach this next level?

Alexander Zverev’s new form found its root in Roger Federer’s constructive criticism

Back at the 2024 US Open, Zverev was vying for a Grand Slam, after 3 failed attempts. However, Taylor Fritz ousted him in the semifinals. But it wasn’t a loss without some gain. At the US Open, Roger Federer saw the German Ace struggling, as he played passive tennis, which cost him the match. At that moment, Federer spoke about Zverev’s problem, which may have been holding him back from reaching the top.

Former ATP pro, Jim Courier, relayed Federer’s words about Zverev on the Tennis Channel Podcast. He said, “I know that Roger Federer had some constructive criticism after the US Open said, look, this is a guy who needs to be more aggressive at crunch time. That’s really been his problem.” The man heard the advice himself, and at the Laver Cup, with Federer in the front row, everyone saw Zverev’s aggressive form.

Could this form guide him to the ATP Finals title? Only time will tell, but it seems that Alexander Zverev is ready for everything and certainly some Grand Slam titles, next season!