Zverev is the Next Roger Federer says Paul Kilderry

Hopman cup’s director, Paul Kilderry believes that Alexander Zverev is the next Roger Federer. He thinks that Zverev is only going to get better with time. The German has had a fantastic 2017 season, winning five titles and making it to his first ever ATP world tour finals. He also jumped to a career high ranking of world number four. Zverev has often mentioned that Federer has been his role model growing up, and that he would very much like to walk in his footsteps. However, his performance at the slams so far has not been impressive. Alexander Zverev has not gone past the fourth round of a major, and has vowed to do better at the slams in 2018.

“I think people in tennis see Zverev as the heir apparent to Roger,” Paul Kilderry said. “It’s great to have him back. “This year I noticed a lot of agents reaching out, with a lot of their players wanting to play.

“I think having Roger (Federer) here last year and him going on to win the Australian Open was really great for the event.” Speaking about the tournament, Kilderry added: “I think we’ve probably got one of the strongest fields ever. “To have four of the top eight players in the world in the men’s game to be here, along with Angelique Kerber, Coco Vandeweghe and Dasha (Gavrilova) coming back along with (Thanasi) Kokkinakis (for Australia). “So many great players.”

Federer is scheduled to play at the Hopman Cup in early January, partnering with Belinda Bencic, for a second year in a row. Alexander Zverev was the first player to arrive in Perth and begin his preparations for the Hopman Cup. Meanwhile, Federer, who is gunning for his 20 major title at the Australian open, will look to get a few sets under his belt before the tournament begins.