Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Semifinal – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 30, 2021. Alexander Zverev of Germany with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning his semifinal match REUTERS/Mike Segar
Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Semifinal – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 30, 2021. Alexander Zverev of Germany with Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning his semifinal match REUTERS/Mike Segar
24-year-old German tennis star Alexander Zverev had one of the best seasons of his career this year. He won the ATP Finals and defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals at the year-end tournament and the Tokyo Olympics as well. Subsequently, he went on to win the Olympic Gold Medal.
This year, he believes that he, along with World No. 1 and 2, Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, dominated the tour. Furthermore, he considers himself a part of the same bunch as them, despite lagging behind in Grand Slam success.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Getty
BELGRADE, SERBIA – JUNE 14: Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia and Alexander Zverev (R) of Germany pose for a photo prior to the Adria Tour charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic on June 14, 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Zverev, Medvedev and Novak Djokovic will dominate 2022 as well
Not only does Zverev consider the 2021 season as the aforementioned trio’s season, but he also sees next year being dominated by them as well. Thus, he very confidently said that next year will belong to him, Medvedev and Novak Djokovic.Furthermore, his performance this year has also exponentially increased his determination to win. “I have gained a lot of confidence with what I have accomplished this season,” Zverev said.
Significantly, Zverev singles out the two players in the same bracket as him. Interestingly, he did not name other top 10 players on the tour out of which Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal are the notable absentees.
Justine Henin expects Medvedev and Zverev to give a tough fight to Novak Djokovic in 2022
Follow @trackertennis for daily updates regarding tennis #Tennis #novakdjokovic #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/IxcbWNNtTD
— Tennis Tracker (@TrackerTennis) December 15, 2021
Zverev previously stated how finally winning a Grand Slam and becoming the World No. 1 are his goals for the next season. Not only would he have to move past Medvedev, but he would also have to dethrone Novak Djokovic at the top spot. Novak finished this year as the World No. 1 for a record seventh time.
Zverev’s comments on the trio’s dominance aren’t unfounded. Among the three of them this year, they shared 4 Grand Slam titles, a Davis Cup title, the ATP Finals and the Olympic Gold.
ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic and Wife Jelena Announce Delightful Christmas News for Serbian Kids
Beating Djokovic at the ATP Finals made Zverev feel invincible
Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 20, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev hugs Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning their semi-final match REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Zverev talks about his increased confidence heading into next year. “The biggest improvement I have made was mentally,” he says. “I feel much more relaxed on the track and willing to show everyone what I am capable of.”
He then talked about defeating Djokovic at the ATP Finals in Turin. “Beating Djokovic in Tokyo and Turin has made me feel invincible,” he shared.
2022 Australian Open ATP Entry List with Djokovic, Medvedev, Nadal, Zverev and Tsitsipas (Last Update – 17-12) #Tennis https://t.co/6hMvL0V6BN pic.twitter.com/s3dxmxEKFw
— TennisUpToDate (@TennisUpToDate2) December 17, 2021
Out of the nine times the pair battled this year, Djokovic won 6 of those matches. However, in their last five meetings, Zverev seems to have the upper hand, with three wins to his name.
Moreover, the German youngster seems to have all the momentum on his side, as he currently holds a 2-0 consecutive streak against the Serb as they both head into the 2022 season with something to prove.
DIVE DEEPER: ‘They’re Not Gods’: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal Are Humans, Says Holger Rune
