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Beaten by Denis Shapovalov, the Olympic champion still can’t do it in the Grand Slam. Accident or blockage?
The German takes full responsibility for his failure.
REUTERS
“When I play like that, I don’t deserve to be world No. 1.” Alexander Zverev ended his Australian Open yesterday on an uncompromising judgment. A self-criticism as sincere as it is rare which will undoubtedly remain as the only ray of hope at the end of its Australian tunnel.
Olympic champion, winner of the Masters and big boss of the second half of 2021, the German had nevertheless landed Down Under carried by the aura of those who impress the competition. The circuit was convinced: 2022 was going to be his year, Melbourne the start of a new chapter. Alas, Denis Shapovalov only needed three sets to bring out the old files (6-3 7-6 6-3).
So would Sascha Zverev be doomed to be the best player in the world only in the best of three sets? His performance and especially his attitude yesterday raised the question that hurts. “He surprised me with his position in return and I hadn’t played in the day yet. But these are not excuses. It’s not the fault of my coach or whoever. I played my worst match since Wimbledon. Everything is my fault.”
He is right to assume; even if we must not exclude the fact that Shapovalov has changed his dimension (Nadal will decide tomorrow). In the meantime, Zverev can reassure himself by noting that Lendl had broken his glass ceiling at 24, Murray at 25. The German, who will turn 25 in April, therefore remains on schedule.
