Home

Olympics

“Find a Way to Disturb Your Rhythm”: Alexander Zverev Fears Tough Competition at Tokyo Olympics 2020 Later Stages

Published 07/26/2021, 6:49 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

Alexander Zverev powered his way to the third round at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The German tennis star had pulverized Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan 6-2 6-2 in the second round, firing 17 winners and winning 87% of the first serve points en route to the victory.

However, with Zverev just a victory away from securing a place in the last-8 of the Olympics, he spoke about tougher matches-ups coming his way during the post-match conference.

Alexander Zverev mindful of tough opponents

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The No. 4 seed expressed satisfaction over his second-round win; however, he stressed the importance of further improving his game, knowing the top players would pose a greater challenge.

Placed in the same half of the draw as the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, Zverev’s potential semifinal clash would likely be against the Serbian.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

via Reuters

“I played well, and I felt quite good on court, but I know the matches and opponents get tougher from now. I’ve got to play the same way and maybe compete even better. Some of the guys won’t let me play as well. That’s what the top guys do–they always find a way to disturb your rhythm a little bit,” said Zverev.

Playing in the first Olympic Games of his career, the 24-year-old expressed that representing his country is a special feeling, and interacting with other athletes in Germany’s contingent has been a fun experience.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Reuters

Interestingly, to increase the chances of winning a medal, Zverev is also competing for the doubles title alongside partner, Jan-Lennard Struff. After winning their opening round match, the German duo would now play against the doubles teams of Gael Monfils and Jeremy Chardy in the second round.

“You’re not only playing for yourself, you’re playing for your entire country, for everybody that is watching in Germany, and the other athletes here,” said Zverev.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Up next, Zverev faces Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili in the third round. Basilashvili ousted Lorenzo Sonego in a thrilling three-set match and poses a formidable challenge to Zverev.

The duo has played thrice against each other, with Zverev having a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head meetings. Who do you think would win the match?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Kshitij Tayal

518Articles

One take at a time

Kshitij Tayal is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having played district-level tennis competitions, Kshitij is also a tenured journalist of the sport with over four years of experience. At EssentiallySports, he pens down some thought-provoking pieces on players and tournaments across the ATP and WTA.
Show More>