Alexander Zverev
PROS: The 6'6" German “produces the highest highs of the elite group,” rightly says Mayer. His explosive first serve propels him to hold serve easily, which enables him to take more groundstroke chances on his return games. His backhand is rock-solid, while his improved forehand pumps out plenty of winners when he’s in top form.
Zverev has often been frustrated at the majors. Most memorably, he’s suffered five-set losses to Thiem in the 2020 US Open final and this season to Tsitsipas at Roland Garros, Auger-aliassime at Wimbledon, and Djokovic at the US Open. “He’s strangely precarious in big moments for a top player,” notes Mayer. Even so, he’s racked up a stellar 2■-3 record since the start of the Tokyo Olympics, where he upset Djokovic in the semifinals and overwhelmed Karen Khachanov for his first gold medal.
The ambitious, No. 3-ranked Zverev, who captured five of his 1■ career titles this year, boasts an even record (5-5) against Medvedev and has beaten Tsitsipas in two of their last three matches and Nadal in three of their last four matches.
In what should prove a wide-open 2022, Zverev has the package to win at least one Grand Slam and multiple Masters titles to wrest the No. 1 ranking from Djokovic. His all-surface versatility should help considerably. He’s won six titles apiece on outdoor hard court, indoor hard courts, and clay. “Zverev can win a major on any surface,” says Courier.
CONS: Zverev may become distracted by the ATP’S current investigation into allegations of physical abuse against a former girlfriend at the 2019 Shanghai Masters 1000 event. Additional off-court troubles could affect his mental health and, ultimately, his tennis game.
His volley, while steadily improving, still breaks down on occasion. And his sometimes inconsistent second serve creates a quandary: whether he should hit it around 90-95 mph to avoid a double fault, or go for broke with a 120 mph serve. Finally, Zverev must improve his mediocre No. 31 ranking in the Under Pressure category, which accounts for his close losses.