Before the round of 16 of the US Open: Alexander Zverev – time for the big coup?

Alexander Zverev takes part in new York Course for his first Significant-title. The path to the final seems clearer than it has been for a long time. However, the 27-year-old still has a few hurdles to overcome.

Alexander Zverev was not completely unmoved by the unusual demise of the favorites at the US Open. “It’s already a big name”Zverev said with regard to Novak Djokovic’s sensational exit, which supposedly opened the door for him to the final in New York – even though he still put the brakes on his euphoria after reaching the round of 16: “I have to focus on myself. Anyone can be with me.” Grand Slam titles play outstanding tennis.”

But Germany’s tennis star also knows how big the chance of winning his first major title is after the first week in Flushing Meadows With Olympic champion Djokovic, his possible semi-final opponent said goodbye, also Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz failed miserably.

Focus on regeneration

Zverev is now the highest-rated player in his half of the tournament – and with the unseeded American Brandon Nakashima, he also faces a more manageable opponent in the round of 16 on Sunday (10.30 p.m. CEST). “I expect it will be a tough match”Zverev said about the American after his successful night shift in the third round while cycling on the fitness bike.

Before the match on Sunday afternoon (local time), the Hamburg native’s focus was on regeneration after defeating Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry at 2:35 a.m. on Saturday night. After the hard-fought four-set victory, he just wanted to “get to bed quickly.”

Sinner and Medvedev as biggest competitors

During the party, he had seen Djokovic’s elimination live – which threw him off track at the end of the first set. “You notice it, maybe it was a bit disturbing because I know that Novak is no longer in my half”said the 27-year-old, who improved against Etcheverry and recorded his 100th victory in a Grand Slam titles import.

In the battle for the US Open crown, the in-form world number one Jannik Sinner (Italy) and arch-rival Daniil Medvedev from Russia remain as the main competitors – but Zverev can only meet both of them in the final.

I am 35. The time seems ripe for the really big coup. “I’ve worked very hard for it. Of course I want to lift a Grand Slam trophy one day. That’s no secret.”“, he had stressed.