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"Trudniej jest obronić tytuł, niż zdobyć go po raz pierwszy" - mawiają sportowcy. W tym roku Alexandrowi Zverevowi ta sztuka powiodła się dwukrotnie. Teraz czeka go trzecia próba - w turnieju Rogers Cup rangi ATP World Tour Masters 1000 w Toronto.
Marcin Motyka
Marcin Motyka
08 Sierpnia 2018, 13:39
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Getty Images / Alexander Hassenstein / Na zdjęciu: Alexander Zverev, triumfator BMW Open 2018

ATP Toronto: Nick Kyrgios przegrał ze Stanem Wawrinką i z kontuzją. Kei Nishikori odpadł w I rundzie

Po raz pierwszy tytuł z zeszłego roku Alexander Zverev obronił w rozgrywanym na przełomie kwietnia i maja turnieju ATP World Tour 250 w Monachium. Zmagania w Bawarii rozpoczął od przegranego seta z Yannickiem Hanfmannem, ale następnie zdobył osiem kolejnych partii. W finale ograł 6:3, 6:3 Philippa Kohlschreibera.

Zeszłoroczne osiągnięcie powtórzył także w ubiegłym tygodniu w imprezie ATP World Tour 500 w Waszyngtonie. Występ w stolicy USA określił jako "wyjątkowy". W drodze po trofeum wyeliminował m.in. starszego brata Mischę czy czołowego przedstawiciela młodego pokolenia, Stefanosa Tsitsipasa. W decydującym spotkaniu pokonał 6:2, 6:4 Alexa de Minaura.

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21-latek z Hamburga na własnej skórze się przekonuje, że - jak mawiają sportowcy - łatwiej jest zdobyć tytuł, niż go obronić. - Obrona tytułu to trochę inne uczucie, bo wiesz, że masz sporo punktów do stracenia. To pokazuje siłę mentalną i dojrzałość - powiedział po zwycięstwie w Citi Open.

W tym tygodniu Niemca czeka trzecia próba obrony tytułu z zeszłego roku - turniej Rogers Cup. Tegoroczna edycja tej imprezy odbędzie się w Toronto. Przed 12 miesiącami Zverev triumfował w Montrealu (turniej rozgrywany jest przemiennie w tych dwóch miastach). Wówczas okazał się lepszy od m.in. Nicka Kyrgiosa, Kevina Andersona czy Denisa Shapovalova, a w finale wygrał 6:3, 6:4 z Rogerem Federerem.

Przed Zverevem zdecydowanie najtrudniejsze zadanie. O ile w zawodach w Monachium i w Waszyngtonie, choć bardzo prestiżowych, nie występują wszyscy czołowi tenisiści świata, o tyle w Toronto - już tak. Na starcie Rogers Cup stanęło 14 z 15 najwyżej notowanych tenisistów globu (zabrakło tylko Federera). Aby nie stracić trofeum, być może będzie musiał pokonać Novaka Djokovicia, Andersona czy Rafaela Nadala.

W ubiegłym sezonie Zverev zwyciężył także w Montpellier i w Rzymie. W tym sezonie we Francji nie wystąpił, a w stolicy Włoch był bardzo bliski ponownego triumfu. Dotarł do finału, w którym w przerywanym przez opady deszczu trzysetowym pojedynku uległ Nadalowi.

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Jeśli Niemiec zwycięży w Toronto, wyrówna osiągnięcie Nadala, który w tym roku obronił mistrzostwa w trzech turniejach (w Monte Carlo, w Barcelonie i w Rolandzie Garrosie). Trofeów sprzed 12 miesięcy nie stracili również Federer (w Australian Open), Steve Johnson (w Houston), John Isner (w Atlancie) i Leonardo Mayer (w Hamburgu).

Rywalizację w Rogers Cup 2018 Zvevev zainauguruje w środę meczem z Bradleyem Klahnem. Pojedynek Niemca z amerykańskim kwalifikantem odbędzie się na korcie Grandstand i został zaplanowany jako trzeci w kolejności od godz. 17:00 czasu polskiego.

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Second seed going for his fourth Masters 1000 title
The last time Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev met at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, Zverev claimed a tight three-setter that was decided in the final-set tie-break at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

But Zverev, as he showed on Thursday at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, is a different player than he was in March. The World No. 3 and defending champion routed Medvedev on Thursday afternoon, claiming 96 per cent of his first-serve points (22/23) and beating the Russian qualifier 6-3, 6-2 in only 53 minutes.

You May Also Like: A Tsitsipas Stunner: Stefanos Shocks Djokovic
The 21-year-old Zverev is through to his fifth Masters 1000 quarter-final of the season and will meet Greece's #NextGenATP star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who upset four-time champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 earlier Thursday.

It will be a rematch of last week's Citi Open semi-final, their first FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting, which Zverev won 6-2, 6-4 en route to his second Citi Open crown.

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Zverev won his tour-leading 43rd match of the year in Toronto, and he dominated from first toss to last service winner. He dropped only four points overall on his serve (90 per cent, 36/40), and won all three break points he saw. He added 20 winners to only nine unforced errors.

Medvedev was looking for his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final. The Sydney International champion worked past midnight on Wednesday to beat #NextGenATP Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) in two hours, 36 minutes.

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Sixth seed Marin Cilic continued to rebound from his discouraging second-round loss at Wimbledon (l. to Pella). The Croatian gained revenge against Argentine Diego Schwartzman, dropping only five points on his first serve (83%, 24/29) and advancing to the quarter-finals 6-3, 6-2.

Schwartzman beat Cilic at the 2017 US Open. Cilic is looking to win his second Masters 1000 title on hard courts after winning the 2016 Western & Southern Open.

Did You Know?
Zverev is defending 1,000 ATP Rankings points at the Rogers Cup. He successfully defended 500 ATP Rankings points last week by winning the Citi Open for the second consecutive year.

Alexander Zverev w trzech setach przegrał z Robinem Haase w II rundzie rozgrywanego na kortach twardych turnieju ATP World Tour Masters 1000 w Cincinnati. Z problemami do 1/8 finału awansował Marin Cilić.
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ATP Cincinnati: Roger Federer udanie powrócił do rozgrywek. Szwajcar bez strat pokonał Petera Gojowczyka
W trzech poprzednich występach w turnieju ATP Masters 1000 w Cincinnati Alexander Zverev zawsze przegrywał inauguracyjny mecz. Z tegoroczną edycją także pożegnał się już po swoim pierwszym pojedynku. W środę, w II rundzie (w I rundzie miał wolny los), Niemiec przegrał z Robinem Haase.
Po piątkowej porażce ze Stefanosem Tsitsipasem w ćwierćfinale imprezy w Toronto Zverev stwierdził, że był to "żałosny mecz". Tak samo może powiedzieć o pojedynku z Haase. Niemiec bowiem prezentował się bardzo słabo. Przeciętnie serwował, sprawiał wrażenie zdekoncentrowanego oraz popełniał wiele błędów. A w grze do samego końca utrzymywał się tylko dlatego, że Haase również nie zachwycał.

O tym, że nie jest to dzień Zvereva, mógł świadczyć już gem otwarcia, kiedy to hamburczyk został przełamany. Zdołał jednak wygrać partię otwarcia 7:5, ale drugą przegrał 4:6. W trzecim secie Niemiec znów przegrywał z przełamaniem, ale odrobił stratę i wyrównał na 5:5. W 11. gemie ponownie jednak zawiodło go podanie i przy break poincie popełnił podwójny błąd serwisowy. Tym samym Haase wyszedł na prowadzenie 6:5, a po chwili zakończył pojedynek.

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Pokonując aktualnie czwartego w rankingu ATP Zvereva, Haase odniósł siódme w karierze zwycięstwo nad przeciwnikiem z Top 10, w tym pierwsze od października ubiegłego roku, gdy w paryskiej hali Bercy ograł... Zvereva. W III rundzie Holender zmierzy się z lepszym z pary Bradley Klahn - Pablo Carreno.

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Duże problemy w środę miał także inny czołowy gracz świata, Marin Cilić. Rozstawiony z numerem siódmym Chorwat przegrał pierwszego seta w pojedynku z rumuńskim kwalifikantem Mariusem Copilem, ale zdołał odwrócić losy spotkania i zwyciężył 6:7(4), 6:4, 6:4.

Western & Southern Open, Cincinnati (USA)
ATP World Tour Masters 1000, kort twardy, pula nagród 5,669 mln dolarów
środa, 15 sierpnia

III runda gry pojedynczej:

Marin Cilić (Chorwacja, 7) - Marius Copil (Rumunia, Q) 6:7(4), 6:4, 6:4
Robin Haase (Holandia) - Alexander Zverev (Niemcy, 3) 5:7, 6:4, 7:5

World No. 4 Alexander Zverev has confirmed that Ivan Lendl is joining his team, the German said on Instagram on Tuesday.

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Lendl, who coached Andy Murray to three major titles, was spotted on court during a practice session Zverev had with Evgeny Donskoy at the US Open on Tuesday.

Zverev was asked about a possible collaboration with Lendl last week in Cincinnati and was full of praise of the ex-world No. 1.

“He knows what it takes, he knows what it takes to win at every single level of our sport so he’s definitely someone that can help a lot,” Zverev told reporters in Cincinnati.


“I don’t have any coaching changes right now, that’s not what I mean, but in the future, yes for sure I think he’s somebody that can help. If that happens I promise I’ll let you know and you guys and write a big or small story about it, whatever you choose. ”


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Davis Cup reform: Analysis of ITF and Gerard Pique’s grand plans after proposal gets voted through





Zverev, who is coached by his father Alexander Sr., had previously worked with Spanish former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero from mid-last year until January at the Australian Open. After their split, Ferrero implied that a lack of discipline and respect led to them parting ways.


Lendl is not the only former member of Murray’s team to be part of the Zverev camp. The young German also partnered with Murray’s ex-fitness trainer Jez Green, as he continues his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title.

US Open

Alexander Zverev

2018

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Ivan Lendl
German is looking to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final in New York
Alexander Zverev has brought eight-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl on board to help him take his game to the next level. The No. 4 player in the ATP Rankings made the announcement on his Instagram account.

“Welcome to the team Ivan Lendl”, Zverev wrote. He also shared photos of his entire team, including Lendl, and of Lendl watching him practise at the US Open, which starts Monday.

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The 21-year-old German is also coached by his father, Alexander Zverev Sr. Alexander Zverev split with former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in February after eight months with the Spaniard.

The 58-year-old Lendl brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience. The American spent 270 weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, third all-time behind Roger Federer and Pete Sampras. He works for USTA Player Development and helped Andy Murray ascend to No. 1 for the first time, win three Grand Slam titles and a pair of Olympic golds.

Zverev has won three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles and reached a career-high No. 3 in the ATP Rankings. But the 6'6” German has made only one Grand Slam quarter-final (2018 Roland Garros, l. to Thiem).

Sascha ma unikalny zestaw umiejętności i wspaniałą etykę pracy. Dlatego nie mogę doczekać się, aby mu pomóc w osiągnięciu celów - powiedział o Alexandrze Zverevie jego nowy trener, Ivan Lendl.
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Legenda w sztabie Alexandra Zvereva. Ivan Lendl pomoże Niemcowi
Od lutego, kiedy to w atmosferze konfliktu i wzajemnych oskarżeń, Alexander Zverev zakończył współpracę z Juanem Carlosem Ferrero, jego trenerem był ojciec, Alexander senior. To już się jednak zmieniło. W poniedziałek Niemiec poinformował, iż wzmocnił swój sztab szkoleniowy osobą Ivana Lendla.
Dla Lendla będzie to druga praca w roli trenera. W latach 2011-14 i 2016-17 był szkoleniowcem Andy'ego Murraya, którego doprowadził do największych sukcesów - trzech triumfów w turniejach wielkoszlemowych, dwóch złotych medali olimpijskich, zwycięstwa w Finałach ATP World Tour oraz pierwszej pozycji w rankingu ATP.

Teraz Amerykanin o czeskich korzeniach chce do życiowych sukcesów doprowadzić Zvereva. - Sascha ma unikalny zestaw umiejętności i wspaniałą etykę pracy. Dlatego nie mogę doczekać się, aby mu pomóc w osiągnięciu celów - powiedział Lendl o współpracy z nowym podopiecznym.

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Pierwszym turniejem Zvereva pod wodzą Lendla będzie rozpoczynający się w poniedziałek US Open. Niemiec z pewnością liczy, że dzięki nowemu trenerowi będzie osiągał lepsze wyniki w imprezach Wielkiego Szlema. Jak dotychczas jego najlepszym rezultatem jest ćwierćfinał tegorocznego Roland Garrosa.

German discusses bringing Lendl onto his team

After losing a five-setter against Ernests Gulbis at Wimbledon, Alexander Zverev began to think it was the perfect time to try something new. At the time, he was No. 3 in the ATP Rankings and had recently earned his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Madrid.

But the 21-year-old wanted more, and he took a step toward achieving more by adding both a proven coach and player to his team ahead of the US Open: former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl.

“The reason I'm with him is to compete and win the biggest tournaments in the world,” Zverev said. “That's the only reason he would join, as well. It's great having him here. Hopefully it will show in the results.”

Jez Green, Zverev’s fitness coach, worked with former World No. 1 Andy Murray during one of Lendl’s stints with Scot’s team. So between Lendl’s previous coaching success and his experience with members of the German’s team, it was a perfect fit.

“He's a smart man, a great guy. Done it as a player, done it as a coach, so he knows what it takes,” Zverev said. “He knows how to do it. He knows how to make the best players even better. This is why I took him.”

Lendl Zverev

Zverev’s father, Alexander Zverev Sr., is still one of his coaches. But Lendl is another set of eyes and a mentor who can give the World No. 4 insight into the mind of a man who himself won 94 tour-level titles and 1,068 matches.

“There's a lot of tactical work, for sure. There's a lot of mental work, as well, to kind of show me what it takes to compete for Grand Slams, to win Grand Slams,” Zverev said. “That for sure he has shown me a little bit.

“The training sessions are tough. The training sessions have always been tough when I work. I'm a pretty hard working guy, so I know what it takes. I'm not somebody who sits on my [behind] when I'm alone. I'm always constantly trying to figure out ways to get better. That hasn't changed that much. The training sessions are still tough. The training sessions are tough when I'm by myself.”

You May Also Like: Zverev Hires Lendl Ahead Of The US Open

It’s not that Zverev has been unsuccessful before hiring Lendl. In fact, the opposite is true. The Monte-Carlo-resident leads the ATP World Tour in 2018 with 43 match wins. In second is World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, who owns 40. But to Zverev, Lendl could add that little bit more to his corner to help him continue his ascent.

“Practices have probably gone up a little bit in intensity. They have gone up a little bit in value probably, as well. Just having him around on the court brings the value,” Zverev said. “So far the relationship is going well. So far everything is going as it should. Hopefully it will continue so.”

Zverev will hope his early work with Lendl could pay immediate dividends in Flushing Meadows. One year ago, he was arguably one of the hottest players on tour, fresh off triumphs in Washington, D.C. and Montreal. But his tournament came to a screeching halt in the second round against Borna Coric, his third exit by the second round in three New York-appearances.

“Last year I was a little burnt out,” Zverev said. “Last year I played a lot, I won a lot. Mentally it was tough for me because everybody saw me for the first time as a favorite. That was new for me, as well. Expectations got ahead of me a little bit.

“I'm trying to play my best tennis here in New York, which I've never really done before. I've never really played the best tennis here. I'm trying to change that. I'm trying to change it this year. Hopefully it will work out that way.”

And maybe with Lendl in his corner, Zverev could find his top level at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where he begins his campaign against Peter Polansky. For now, there’s no timeframe on this new player-coach relationship.

“As long as it works,” Zverev said. “If I win the US Open here, it's going to be probably a little while.”

In his first match under new coach Ivan Lendl, Alexander Zverev made a strong first impression. The 21-year-old German cruised to victory in his US Open opener, defeating lucky loser Peter Polansky 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Having hired Lendl, former World No. 1 and coach of Andy Murray, to improve his chances of winning the biggest tournaments in the sport, Zverev wasted no time advancing to the second round in Flushing Meadows. Zverev fired 10 aces and won 83 per cent of first-serve points to progress after one hour and 36 minutes. The Citi Open champion improves to a tour-leading 44-13 record this season and has already equalled his best result at the final Grand Slam championship of the year.

"Our goal is to do the best I can on the court," said Zverev. "His goal is to prepare myself the best I can. We're working hard towards that. We're working hard to being the best player I can be. We're working hard to one day maybe winning these kind of tournaments. It's no secret that's why I took him. That's the reason."



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The World No. 4 has now reached the second round in New York for the third consecutive year, but will hope to progress much further in the draw this fortnight. Zverev reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final earlier this season at Roland Garros, falling to eventual runner-up Dominic Thiem in three sets.

"I've played in Australia before, so I know what it feels like," Zverev added, referring to the extreme heat. "I mean, before the match, obviously it was important to be hydrated. It was important to get yourself ready for a tough match, for a tough battle, especially in these conditions. Everybody was working for that, working together."

Polansky made headlines earlier this week after becoming the first player on record to enter all four Grand Slam events as a lucky loser. Remarkably, the Canadian has managed that feat in 2018 alone, with four consecutive Grand Slam entries as a lucky loser.

Read More: Polansky's Destiny: The Luckiest Loser Of Them All

The nine-time tour-level titlist will face another lucky loser, Nicolas Mahut, for a place in the third round. Mahut defeated #NextGenATP countryman Corentin Moutet 6-2, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Zverev trails Mahut 0-1 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series.

Nishikori

In other action, Kei Nishikori booked a blockbuster second-round clash against Gael Monfils. The Japanese star leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head by a count of 3-1, but the Frenchman took their most recent encounter at the Rogers Cup in 2017. Monfils saved four match points in one of the matches of the year.

On Tuesday, 2014 finalist Nishikori flew past Maximilian Marterer 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, while Monfils overcame qualifier Facundo Bagnis 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-0, 6-0. The charismatic Frenchman is appearing in his first hard-court tournament since Indian Wells in March. He is two years removed from a semi-final appearance at Flushing Meadows.

Meanwhile, Matthew Ebden booked a second-round date with Philipp Kohlschreiber. The veterans split their two previous FedEx ATP Head2Head encounters, with Kohlschreiber prevailing on the clay of Roland Garros in 2012 and Ebden exacting revenge earlier this year on the grass of Halle. The German defeated countryman Yannick Hanfmann 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 and the Aussie prevailed over Filip Krajinovic when the Serbian retired down 7-6(1), 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-1, 4-1.

Last year's quarter-finalist Diego Schwartzman made a winning return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, beating countryman Federico Delbonis 6-2, 7-6(6), 6-2. Schwartzman, who fell to Pablo Carreno Busta in the last eight in 2017, hit 36 winners and converted six of 13 break-point chances to move through to the second round after two hours and 41 minutes.

Schwartzman will meet #NextGenATP Spaniard Jaume Munar in the second round. Munar, currently sitting in eighth position in the ATP Race To Milan, beat Belgian Ruben Bemelmans 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-1 in just under four hours. Only the top seven automatically qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals, with the eighth spot reserved for the winner of an all-Italian qualifier tournament to be held just prior to the tournament.

Did You Know?
At the Mutua Madrid Open in May, Zverev became the first player to win a clay-court title without being broken since stats started being kept in 1991. The German faced one break point en route to the title.

After falling in the second round on his past two appearances at the US Open, Alexander Zverev reached the third round in New York for the first time, beating lucky loser Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday.
"This was always the Grand Slam that I didn't play my best ever. Not even that I lost, but just game-wise. Game-wise, I never felt comfortable here. Finally I do," said Zverev. "I feel like I'm playing well. I feel like today, [Mahut] was a tough opponent. He had a few matches here already."
The World No. 4 needed one hour and 48 minutes to clinch his 45th tour-level win of the season, hitting 43 winners and converting each of his five break chances to advance. Zverev ties Mahut at 1-1 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series, having lost their only previous encounter at the 2017 Open 13 Provence. The Mutua Madrid Open champion leads the ATP World Tour in match wins this season (45-13).
The nine-time tour-level titlist, competing under new coach Ivan Lendl for the first time this week, will meet countryman Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round. Kohlscheiber, who is tied with Zverev at 2-2 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series, recovered from a set down for the first time at a Grand Slam since defeating Zverev at the 2015 US Open to beat Matthew Ebden 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.
"We played here [in the] first round three years ago. It was a five-set match. Obviously, I was much younger, and he was better than me back then," said Zverev. "He's a great guy. He's a great opponent. Obviously we played the final this year in Munich, as well. I know him quite well. He knows me... It's going to be interesting in a few days' time."
After a tricky opening service game, Zverev excelled behind his delivery to take a one-set lead. The German dropped only two points in his following four service games, wrapping up the set with his fourth ace of the match.

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The German quickly solidified his advantage in the opening game of the second set, breaking Mahut to 15 as the Frenchman misfired on his backhand wing. Return points were few and far between for the Frenchman, until Zverev offered up three break-point chances in the eighth game. Two double faults contributed to Zverev's problems, before Mahut broke with flair in a tight forecourt exchange.
Zverev wasted no time regaining his lead however, breaking to love in the next game with consistent aggression before comfortably serving out the set after 72 minutes. From that point, Zverev charged to the finish line.
The German earned two further service breaks in the third set, with moments of exquisite touch found between crushed groundstroke winners, before landing back-to-back aces to finally move past the second-round stage.
"I had to focus from first moment to last and play my game," said Zverev. "I'm happy to be through. Obviously, this is not me being satisfied. Of course I'm happy to be through, but I'm already thinking about my next match."
Lucky loser Mahut was aiming to reach the third round in New York for the third consecutive year. The Frenchman, who lost to Tommy Robredo in qualifying, defeated Next Gen ATP Finals contender Corentin Moutet to record his eighth US Open match win on Tuesday.

In other action, Diego Schwartzman and Kei Nishikori set a third FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting, after both advanced to the third round. In their two previous encounters, on the clay of Buenos Aires and Madrid in 2017, Nishikori stormed back from a set down to prevail.
On Thursday, Schwartzman overcame 21-year-old Jaume Munar 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-2. One year removed from a breakthrough quarter-final run in New York, the Argentine is now one to watch at the hard-court Grand Slam. The 13th seed notched his 29th match win of the season.
Later in the day, Kei Nishikori advanced on Louis Armstrong Stadium after Gael Monfils retired due to a wrist injury. The Japanese star grabbed the first set 6-2 and Monfils answered right back with an early break in the second. But, bidding to draw level at a set apiece, the Frenchman jammed his wrist on a forehand volley. He would stop play a few games later.
"I thought I started really well, played very aggressive," said Nishikori. "I thought I was dominating from the baseline. Everything worked well. In the second, he started pretty good. Unfortunately it finished for him. We always battle, play great matches all the time. It's always fun to play against him. It's sad to finish like that. But so happy to go through."
Did You Know?
Earlier this year, Zverev won three consecutive five-set matches at Roland Garros to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final and become the youngest quarter-finalist in Paris since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009.