Alexander’s not concerned about form slump
WORLD No.4 Alexander Zverev failed to fire during the Hopman Cup, but he’s confident he can rediscover his mojo ahead of the Australian Open.
Zverev recorded only one singles win during the mixedteams tournament, beating world No.108 Vasek Pospisil.
World No.2 Roger Federer beat Zverev 6-7 (7-4) 6-2 6-0 in the final, while David Goffin also got the better of the 20year-old earlier in the tournament.
The German also went down to a rejuvenated Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has started the year in fine fashion following an injury-plagued two years.
Despite Zverev’s struggles, Germany managed to reach the final on the back of Angelique Kerber’s hot form.
Switzerland prevailed 2-1 in the decider and Zverev will now turn his attention to the Australian Open, where he’s aiming to reach at least the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.
“Of course I didn’t play my best. But I always said before the tournament that I wasn’t going to be playing my best here,” Zverev said.
“I’m still getting back in shape.
“But I’m close to playing very good again.”
Zverev looked in hot form after winning the first set against Federer.
But he fell in a heap from that point on, winning just two more games against the redhot veteran.
Zverev said he was simply tired after playing a three-set match against Kokkinakis the night before, and then training for an hour after the clash.