Novak Djokovic – Alexander Zverev’s comment on the entry play about Serbs: “Back and forth you don’t understand”

The German said he is also aware of the possibility that even if Djokovic misses the Australian Open, he could still take first place in the ATP rankings. He is regularly reminded of this by the media.

But Zverev made one thing clear: “At the end of the day, you have to win tournaments like this and play as well as possible to have the chance.”

But in the title race in Melbourne, the 24-year-old sees himself among the favorites. As his biggest rival, third-placed 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev ranked second, and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas ranked fourth were chosen.

If defending champion Djokovic is allowed to play, “he would be the favourite. That’s how it would be then.”

Alexander Zverev has no problem with pressure

“When you talk about potential winners, you have to talk about Medvedev, Tsitsipas. I’ve played well myself for the past six months. Rafael Nadal has also played very well in our training together,” the 24-year-old said.

Expectations of himself after last year’s strong record is not a problem for Zverev: “As a top player you always have pressure, but pressure is a privilege: if you are number 90 or 100, you don’t have pressure because no one has anything to expect from you, but I press on myself more than anyone else.”

(with SID)