Zverev: ‘The Next Two Or Three Years Will Be Very Exciting’

Alexander Zverev believes that the next few years will be exciting as the #NextGenATP generation establish themselves on the ATP Tour and continue to battle the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the sport’s biggest prizes.

Speaking ahead of the Nitto ATP Finals, where the German will bid to retain his title, Zverev said: “Rafa, Novak and Roger have been great rivals for a number of years, but hopefully we’re some of the guys – along with [Denis] Shapovalov, who is now playing great tennis – at the [Nitto ATP] Finals for many years.

“Some of the young guys aren’t here yet, but there is a very strong group of younger players. Two years ago, when I had my breakthrough season and I played here for the first time, I didn’t expect to make it here as quickly. Daniil [Medvedev], with the year he has had, has been amazing, but it’s maybe been a little bit of a surprise for people. I think we’ll see more surprises to come.

“There will be unexpected results and some guys winning the bigger tournaments, which we haven’t seen for 10-15 years. The next two or three years will be very exciting as you’ll still have the Big 3, who are still consistently better than us — a true fact, and the young guys, who are improving quite quickly.”

Twelve months ago, Zverev captured the biggest title of his career at the season finale, becoming the first player to beat both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the 10 years that both men were in the field (2007-15, 2018). He was the first German titlist since Boris Becker in 1995 and the youngest year-end champion since Djokovic, aged 21, in 2008.

The 22-year-old is proud that after a difficult 2019, he is among the best eight singles players for a third successive year.

“As everyone probably knows I didn’t have the best season I wanted to have, but I’m still top eight in the world and made London,” said Zverev. “A lot of people would dream of that, so being with these guys is an unbelievable honour and I wanted to come back here and give myself a chance to retain my title. I want to play some good matches as well.”

The Monte-Carlo resident clinched his 11th ATP Tour trophy in May, winning three consecutive three-set matches at the Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open that culminated in saving two match points against Nicolas Jarry in the final. He also finished runner-up at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC (l. to Kyrgios) in March and at the Rolex Shanghai Masters (l. to Medvedev) in October.

Zverev will begin his 2019 Nitto ATP Finals campaign against World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in Group Andre Agassi on Monday evening. Buy Your Tickets