World No.5 Alexander Zverev, who is also currently the youngest player in the ATP top ten, spoke to CGTN about his aspirations in Shanghai. The 21-year-old won his third Masters 1000 title in 2018 while he also entered the first Grand Slam quarterfinal in Roland Garros. He has shared us with his experience under the limelight.
Zverev mentioned, "My favorite Grand Slam is the Australian Open. I think they do everything for the players. They really constantly try to improve and they really try to constantly make us every year feel the best they can. I have won the juniors there as well. So I have good memories of there. I have played some great, fantastic matches there. There are so many things happening there make it such a positive feeling for me."
Alexander Zverev of Germany hits a return against Nikoloz Basilashvili (not pictured) of Georgia during their men's singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament on October 10, 2018. /VCG Photo
He has got a game that is suitable to any surface. "I don't have a favorite surface. I don't say that this event is my favorite event. I feel like I can play on all surfaces. Every time I go into I prepare myself to try the best and compete with the best players," Zverev added.
He hasn't done too well in Shanghai in the past but quite optimistic about turning the tide this year.
As all eyes are on the big season-ender in London, Zverev candidly stated, "I am not thinking about London too much since I have four and half thousand points till now and that gets me to London. I am just trying to play my best tennis here at the biggest tournaments, one of which, of course, Shanghai is."
"I have never played good matches in the past and never gone really far. That is something I am really looking forward to this year."