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Zverev Digs Deep For First Major Semifinal
151 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
By Louise Belcourt
22 year old Alexander Zverev is often denigrated for his lacklustre grand slam results, having never made it passed the fourth round. No one (including himself) expected this year’s Australian Open grand slam to be any different. Especially after his dismal showing in Brisbane in the ATP Cup only 3 weeks ago where he lost all three matches to younger players Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Denis Shapovalov. In all those matches his serve seemed to have deserted him.
On a warm afternoon in Rod Laver Arena the German showed in the quarter finals against Stan Wawrinka that he has put in the work, changed his attitude, and is ready to fight with the big boys over 5 sets.
Coming into this match Zverev had not lost a set in the first four rounds. Although today he would erase that perfect record in only 24 minutes, winning only a single game in the first set. At this point it was looking like today would be a repeat of so many grand slams from the past, on paper a higher ranked player at 7 compared to Wawrinka at 15, but never reaching his potential.
In the second set Zverev turned the match around with his outstanding serving (yes, the same serve that deserted him in the ATP Cup). Incredibly he did not lose a point on serve the entire second set!
The errors started to mount from the Swiss racket, and the serve, speed and control from the German was too much and he ran away with the match 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 in 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Zverev’s serve was the key to this win, having 13 aces and only 1 double fault, and serving at 80% of first serves. Also, off the baseline the German was impressive with 34 winners to 28 unforced errors.
Of turning around the match after the first set Zverev said “I didn’t feel the ball quite well in the first set because I played all my matches in the evening when it was much, much colder. Today was very hot on court. The ball was flying off my racquet much more. He was also playing quite heavy. It was difficult to handle his ball. Yeah, just got used to it a little bit more. Got used to it and could start playing my game a little bit better. Luckily I could turn it around.”
Questioned about why he had never made it passed the fourth round at a major, the world number 7 admitted, “Yeah, I was very impatient…The Grand Slams maybe meant too much for me. This year I actually came into the Australian Open with absolutely no expectations because I was playing horrible. At the ATP Cup I was playing bad, and the weeks before.” He continued, “Grand Slams were always the week where I kind of even wanted it too much. I was doing things in a way too professional. I was not talking to anybody. I wasn’t going out with friends. I wasn’t having dinner. I was just really almost too, too focused. Changed that a little bit this week. I’m doing much more things outside the court.”
I must say having watched a few of his losses in the Australian Open, where he crushed his racket and was crushed by his opponents, it is refreshing to see him mature and actually win these matches deep into grand slams.
Could it be a bigger purpose has helped him focus? He has pledged to donate his entire prizemoney to the Australian bushfire relief if he wins the tournament. Zverev explained that his upbringing was one of the reasons he was giving away the $4.12 million prizemoney if he won. “My parents grew up in the Soviet Union, where you were a professional tennis player, my dad would make money outside the country, but he would have to give it away when he was getting into the country. Funny enough, for them, you know, where they never had any money, you would think that now maybe we have some, you want to keep it all for yourself. But they always said that money is something that should cause change in the world and should be put into a good thing, not keep it in a bank account and do nothing with it.” He continued, “But at the same time I know that there’s people right now in this country [Australia], in this beautiful country, that lost their homes and actually they need the money. They actually depend on it, building up their homes again, building up their houses again, building up the nature that Australia has, the animals as well.”
So, let’s see in the next few days if he gets to donate this biggest prizemoney he has every received? Australia now how has a new man to cheer for.
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« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »catherine · January 31, 2020 at 10:10 am
Hartt – the odd thing is, in this day and age, is, as you say, how few women coaches there are when a male coach dealing with a woman, or girl, maybe has to be circumspect.
I suppose the family aspect is difficult but not all women have families – or, it’s ok for Cahill to leave his family for 30 weeks in the year but it wouldn’t be the same for his wife !
catherine · January 31, 2020 at 10:16 am
From T-T –
Garbine also had a life-changing experience when she decided to climb the Kilimanjaro last year. Conchita was asked to comment about the impact that the climb had on Muguruza and she said:
“I think [it was good for] the mental part, you have to stay very tough. I don’t know because I haven’t done it. Her stories, it’s super cold where you can barely rest and you have to continue walking, where you had to overcome your fears and also be strong to continue. I think that gives you something mentally; that’s for sure,” said the 47-year-old. I think she felt great about doing that. Not maybe everybody can reach the summit. But she did.”
Some good pics of Mugs with comments in Spanish.
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:28 am
Thiem to Muster, hypothetical: “Whatever, Thomas!”
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:29 am
Mladenovic to Bajin, hypothetical: “Told ya!”
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:32 am
Zverev to his low expectations: “Always loyal!”
That was cruel. Zverev did great to make the semifinals. Broke through his own barriers in the brain department. His game still needs serious work – nothing technical, but strategy wise a bundle, and conditioning wise a bundle.
Almost as if Muster’s remarks on Thiem, which sounded pretty negative, were a better for for the German guy.
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:43 am
re: Kenin – she gets nervous, too. Very nervous against Gauff, really showed in the tiebreak. Steeled herself and made the kind of micro-adjustments that are hard to see (very refined, higher level stuff – deciding to put the ball a little closer to the opponent’s weakness, doubling down on some observations from the first set, learning immediately from a few errors, etc).
Kenin has a great tennis IQ as Pat McEnroe said. And so does Muguruza, and as Catherine said Muguruza has betrayed the fact she’s nervous, while Kenin shows it when she double faults etc. Should be a fun match, who will blink first, will it even come to that? TUNE IN!
Harold · January 31, 2020 at 11:45 am
Thiem and Zverev playing semi of Aus. Open while Fritz and Tiafoe getting bounced in a first round of a Challenger. They give appearance fees at Challengers?
Only player to ever reach the perfection of Djoker, is Rios, according to Scoop. Nothing you ever say about tennis can hit this high note..too freakin funny
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:45 am
Babos, hypothetical, to Michael Joyce: “I will get back to singles soon!”
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 11:57 am
To my eye the young U.S. guys aren’t good enough. They make a lot of excuses. I’ve appreciated Tommy Paul’s approach anyhows: hires a legitimate coach, works on his game, plays better, hopefully he can show up his less serious rivals state-side, however far he can go. I don’t know what that is, other than he has a better game than he did and he has guts, often in short supply among young U.S. men’s players.
The fact Sandgren has done something at a ranking of around 100 shows that he has out-worked a lot of guys that have surfed a lot of hype. There is also some kind of problem with U.S. men, as if they have a deadly disease popularly described as “we don’t improve and wonder why we aren’t doing well”, and “we show up at big tournaments and haven’t prepared well for them”. I don’t know what that’s called.
They have a lot of stubbornness too, in that they make the same mistakes repeatedly.
Maybe just “we’re good, but not that good.”
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 12:00 pm
U.S. men, 2020: “waiting for TBD”. Not a good look.
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 12:02 pm
I appreciate coaches can’t tell WTA players anything. No wonder they say things like: “great match today. Sure it was 2-6, 1-6, but I really like how you fought for those games, and you were in nearly every game. Just keep playing your game.”
Not a good look…Not good coaching!!!
Hartt · January 31, 2020 at 1:52 pm
I checked to see where the young American players on the ATP are in the live rankings, and have to say the news wasn’t great. Only 2, Fritz and Opelka, are in the top 40. Fritz is No. 36 and Opelka is No.38. These youngsters really need to make a push and get into the top 20 this season.
catherine · January 31, 2020 at 4:29 pm
I did a quick scan of Youtube and find US fans are gearing up for Kenin’s victory over that uppity Spanish person but it’s clear that there’s some regret that Sofia isn’t quite the glamour figure. Not yet – give her a few good wins and the transformation will come and the IGs.
Dan Markowitz · January 31, 2020 at 5:30 pm
I haven’t been watching the women’s matches at all at the AO because I’ve been away, but it seems Kenin has made a little wardrobe change. Recently, she was wearing tops that showed her belly button which was a little strange. Now she looks better dressed.
Kenin is a weird-looking girl! I’m sorry to say it. She’s a hell of a player, but she got a little strange kewpie doll look to her. She’s not the beauty Muguruza is.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Sumyk and Muguruza looked like they hated each other every time they were together or the camera showed Sumyk in the box. There definitely had to be a dysfunctional relationship there. I saw them at US OPen practice at Armstrong two years ago and I didn’t know Sumyk was there, he never said a word to Murguruza as she played with Halep. Then he suddenly popped up and walked off with her, but about 25 yards ahead of her. Has to be the most dysfunctional player coach relationship in tennis history. Muguruza’s insult on OCC, “Tell me something I don’t know” was the all time slap in the face. Maybe someday Sumyk will spill the beans.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Dan your opinion of Kenin’s looks has nothing to do with anything. She’s a pretty American girl on the edge of stardom and making history. Funny how you take jabs at Kenin’s looks but never do it to Serena, Sloane, Venus, Townsend, Coco, Keys.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 5:49 pm
Yes I stand by it Harold, Rios could toy with Agassi. Nobody toyed with Agassi but Rios. Rios was 2-0 vs Agassi and up a set and 4-4 in the second in their third meeting but then he ran out of gas, lost the second and retired. Miami Open SF 2002. Rios was perfection vs Agassi. All three of the matches were pure genius. Rios was the closest thing to tennis perfection after Djokovic, for me.
Jon King · January 31, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Dan is not alone. All the tennis girls in our group do what girls do, comment on looks of other female players. From what I hear…..
Sloane is pretty, Giorgi is very good looking.
Barty is not pretty. Kenin has a weird face and looks gross in a bikini on her IG. Didn’t hear anything on Mugs either way.
I could care less, Kenin and her dad are what tennis development should be all about.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 6:40 pm
Jon, did USTA help Kenin or are Martin Blackman and Rinaldi now just riding her coattails?
Andrew Miller · January 31, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Not going there re: wta players/looks/etc. That’s the WTA marketing machine speaking here on TP.
For what it’s worth, lovely feature on the ATP site on the photographer Clive Brunskill and his four decades photographing the sport.
https://www.atptour.com/en/news/clive-brunskill-100-grand-slams
Jeff · January 31, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Scoop, I gotta take Dan’s side here. Kenin really has an odd look, would be tough to market her for sure. As far as the other women you mentioned, only Sloane Stephens is a beauty. Coco Vandeweghe? Madison Keys? Come on.
To be fair, the foreign players have always been more attractive than the American women. I am not sure it is good for tennis if Kenin wins since she has no real appeal worldwide. She needs to do something about her image, I would guess if she wins tonight.
Hartt · January 31, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Andrew, thanks for the link. I like Clive Brunskill’s work, and it was interesting to learn about him, and to see some of his terrific images.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 8:45 pm
Kenins story is the appeal as well as her super nice, gracious personality. She is the anti diva, anti bitch, if you will.
Scoop Malinowski · January 31, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Clive Brunskill has a few inside stories. Nobody does it better than CB.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 1:07 am
Well – that’s something to wake up to – I feel I’m in a timewarp, commenting on a girl’s looks and saying how ‘odd’ she is. What about the men ? Some of them are far from handsome.
Poor Kenin can’t help her appearance – she’s Russian anyway isn’t she ? Has the Slavic features. Be a bit more up to date please. It’s not a beauty contest.
Scoop – photographers always have the stories. Art Seitz was No 1 in that department – probably still is. Not always totally reliable. Used to be pretty much a boys’ brigade.
Jon – Muguruza is nice looking but a bit remote which is why you don’t hear comments on her. Same with Kerber on occasion. Made for the camera.
But enough of this – my last prediction: Kenin will win. Mugs will be thinking of mountains to climb. She lives in Switzerland now I think.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 5:56 am
I was right. Mugs got tired, lots of UEs and more dfs than you’d expect – but Kenin took advantage.
Still, Garbine had a good tournament, and I can’t wait to see how the WTA set about selling Sofia.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 6:07 am
And 14 year old Victoria Kasintseva from Andorra won the junior girls title. First ever title for Andorra. Quick, get onto Google maps 🙂
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 6:11 am
Sorry – Sonya.
Hartt · February 1, 2020 at 6:25 am
I only saw the last 2 sets. It sounds like the first set was good, but Sofia totally dominated the last 2. All those DFs by Garbine were disappointing, especially in the last game, and then losing the last point on a DF.
Hartt · February 1, 2020 at 6:56 am
Carole Bouchard makes an excellent point in this tweet. 🙂
“No idea what’s the inner dialogue in Kenin’s head, but I’d love to hear it. Kinda think it can reach vintage Goran level.”
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 7:00 am
Hartt, yes – Mugs could have won in 2 but 3 was beyond her. She came into the tournament with a virus and the match v Halep probably drained her. And as I said, Kenin took advantage. But Garbine knows she can can compete now, which should be some consolation.
I wish I like Sonya’s style more. If she becomes a dominating player over the next year or so then we’ll see women’s tennis back firmly on the baseline. This happens all too often. You think there’s a change and then it turns out a chimera. And I can’t see Barty developing that much.
So it’s up to Bianca.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 7:02 am
Do you think it’s bye bye Coco and hello Kenin ? That would be funny.
Hartt · February 1, 2020 at 7:02 am
“Carole Bouchard
💜
💛
@carole_bouchard
She has the Zvonareva crying/angry game, the “I’m going bonkers and so I hit winners” Makarova game, and now also the Angie Kerber sulking and grinning game. Kenin is a MOOD.”
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 7:19 am
I find it really depressing how many of the comments on women’s matches in respectable online sites (I’m thinking of the Guardian here) turn into streams of sour and downright mysogynist stuff about the women’s game and women in general. Usually from individuals who know nothing about tennis. It’s relentless.
That’s something men do not have to deal with. Have no idea what it’s like to deal with.
Hartt · February 1, 2020 at 7:48 am
Sofia is starting to get more attention. Chris Clarey had a feature article about her in the NY Times before the final.
From the piece:
“Her timing of the ball is better than anybody I ever taught,” Macci said of Kenin. “You’ll notice she’s not out of balance that much, and she can take the ball right off the bounce like a wizard. Everyone can hit deep, but the angles she gets, even while taking the ball early, are so acute that she gets you off the court, and then she goes for the jugular. She has a drop shot from another planet. She’s the closest thing I think this sport has seen to Martina Hingis. It doesn’t surprise me whatsoever to see her in a Grand Slam final.”
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2020 at 8:12 am
Well they have to give her some attention now, she earned it. Let’s see if they give her the Keninmania treatment Cocoa gets. Not surprised Kenin won this title, she was that impressive in beating Cocoa. That was the victory that made this possible. Had Cocoa won that match I truly believe this was her title. Cocoa is that good. Key match in this historic title run by Kenin was beating Cocoa.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 8:26 am
Scoop – you’re talking as though there are no other players around but Coco and Kenin. Already. I’d like to see how things go in a few more tournaments. Players are going to get to know her.
And I can’t see the likeness to Hingis really – certainly hope Kenin has a longer career.
Naomi’s been forgotten already. My word time moves quickly in tennis. Here today gone tomorrow.
Hartt · February 1, 2020 at 8:32 am
Sofia won’t get the equivalent of Coco mania. A big part of the Coco story is that she is so incredibly young, and Sofia, while fairly young, is not a teenager.
But a Slam title does mean a lot of attention, and already there are many stories about Sofia winning the AO.
It will be interesting to see how Sofia does for the rest of the season. Her incredible fighting spirit will stand her in good stead.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2020 at 8:33 am
Whow about Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva. She caught my eye at Eddie Herr two months ago, she was in the 18s and I saw her twice. She just caught my eye. Thought she was about 16 or 17. She lost in the 3R to Elvina Kalieva, a tall blonde Russian American. She just had something to make you watch her. She also lost early at Orange Bowl. But these junior players can all the sudden just get so much better in a quick span and that’s what has happened suddenly with Jimenez Kasintseva.
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2020 at 8:36 am
Osaka has to get her desire back. She looked like a ghost of herself vs Cocoa. It’s all about Cocoa and Kenin right now. America is in position to take over the WTA.
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 8:46 am
Garbine’s press comments:
The former world No. 1 credited Kenin’s spirited response to stress as the key to her maiden major win.
“It was a very important moment of the match,” Muguruza told the media in Melbourne. “I think she found very, very good shots during the match. Especially in the important moments, I think she came out with winners and just hitting the ball very good.
“I think the way she handled the breakpoints and the game points, these kind of moments, I think she came out doing winners, which is a tough moment. I think she played very well. I think it’s her first Grand Slam final for her and she performed really well.”
Ultimately, fatigue from four consecutive wins over Top 30 players—combined with Kenin’s quick pace of play—cost Muguruza, who lost the leg lift on serve. Muguruza committed four of her eight double faults in the final set, including double-faulting away the second championship point.
The clever Kenin converted five of six break points, while Muguruza converted just two of her 12 break-point opportunities.
“I’m not very happy about my performance,” Muguruza said. “I think I had to play better today because she came up with a great level. I think at the important moments I didn’t find my shots. I think she found her shots, I didn’t found my shots. I did fail a little bit lack of energy after so many matches.
“Physically was a tough battle out there. So, you know, it’s just a tough moment. Right now it’s tough to be happy, although it has been an incredible tournament. You lose a final, but you got to make it to the final to be able to win or lose. Yeah, I think she played very well.”
Asked if she believes the 21-year-old Kenin can win multiple majors, Muguruza replied “I think so.”
“If she keeps playing like this, she prove us that she can play very well, play very well in the important moments, which is different story,” Muguruza said. “I think it’s even more special.”
catherine · February 1, 2020 at 8:50 am
That’s from Tennis Now BTW.
Scoop – I don’t see that 2 young players are going to ‘take over the WTA’. Take over US women’s tennis, very likely.
Kenin can’t be exploited for glamour, which is a good thing.
Andrew Miller · February 1, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Catherine – graceful, Muguruza on Kenin. Rare.
Andrew Miller · February 1, 2020 at 3:13 pm
Golden era of WTA tennis! So many competitors with a chance to make history. The nutty Guardian commenters sound uninformed
Andrew Miller · February 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm
re: slams up for grabs on WTA. Same since Sept 2015. The merry-go-round keeps a whirling. I think a few slam champs already have games that are MIA.
Andrew Miller · February 1, 2020 at 3:16 pm
btw the whole “WTA who’s pretty” thing really died on TP. Glad to see that give way to tributes to strong play.
Andrew Miller · February 1, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Yes, the WTA glamour plan is shot. Thank goodness!
Scoop Malinowski · February 1, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Wta marketing schemes and web site should just be blown up and start all over. Is it a man or woman who runs wta? Steve simon?
catherine · February 2, 2020 at 3:52 am
Scoop –
Simon is the Chairman and seems to be the Chief Executive as well. The President is Micky Lawler (f) but her role is a bit vague. She may just be a figurehead.
My view is that it’s marketing people and ad agencies who control a lot of the decision making. They are in the background and Simon is the mouthpiece.
Andrew Miller · February 2, 2020 at 11:15 am
Some of the WTA features have been good. I thought the website was a heap of garbage in October, but it’s worked during the Australian. They only have to re-do the profiles for the top hundred players and try, and then I think they might have something less junky.