Alexander Zverev is on a mission to the Australian Open. Aged 27, the German is producing perhaps the best Tennis of his career and finds himself three victories away from a first Grand Slam title. This Sunday, Zverev was too strong for one Ugo Humbert yet combative but unable to take control of the game. The best French player was overtaken and logically dominated 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Zverevregular, serene, was able to dictate his law with 19 aces and 43 winning shots. In the quarters, he will still be the big favorite against the American Tommy Paul, who crushed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Zverev will play his 14th quarter in a Grand Slam, the 4th in Melbourne.
Video – Alexander Zverev in the quarters of the Australian Open
Find the men’s draw for the Australian Open here
Find the women’s draw for the Australian Open here
“I just have an older brother who is left-handed and with whom I grew up”
At a press conference, Zverev mentioned a pretty crazy stat. He has won his last 26 matches against lefties. “I think that statistic doesn’t do left-handers justice. I just have an older brother who is left-handed and who I grew up with. Training with a left-hander, knowing all those slice shots, the topspins that they produce , which can be uncomfortable for some players but is more comfortable for me because I’m used to it. I think that’s the main reason.”explained the German, who had lost his first 14 matches against left-handers.
“In my head, I know I’m playing well. I feel it on the court”
The world number 2 spoke about his ambitions. “All players who reach this stage play very well. Everyone who reaches the quarter-finals or semi-finals deserves it. There is no easy path to get here. Sometimes the draw is a little more open, other times you beat players who don’t feel comfortable playing against you. To reach the quarter-finals, you have to play great tennis. In my head, I know I’m playing well. I feel it on the court. I feel like I can do a lot of damage when I play like this, but my opponents feel the same way. From now on, there will only be fierce battles.”
