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Alexander Zverev shows his appreciation following his win
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Alexander Zverev has never been comfortable on the grass courts at the AELTC but seems to have come to terms with the surface for this year’s Championships.
I feel like it’s a much more open Wimbledon this year. I really do feel like if somebody catches two great weeks, they can do great things on these beautiful courts and obviously I hope that, for once, it’s going to be me Alexander Zverev
Seeded four, he romped past Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 6-4 6-2 out on No.1 Court and declared himself happy at the way he has started this year’s campaign.
“First rounds are never easy but I’m happy the way I started the tournament,” he declared with a broad smile. “I’ve struggled over the years here on these beautiful courts, unfortunately. But I feel different this year; I feel very much more into it, very much more alive on these courts and hopefully I show that in the next few matches.”
Then came the revelation behind his original aversion to the surface.
“I decided very early on in my career that I hated grass courts. And then for some reason this year, I decided that I love them. That is the biggest change. Also, I feel like it’s a much more open Wimbledon this year. I really do feel like if somebody catches two great weeks, they can do great things on these beautiful courts and obviously I hope that, for once, it’s going to be me.”
It must be admitted that in his Spanish opponent, he wasn’t facing the strongest of grass court exponents. He was brought up on clay and that was evident as he faced a barrage of powerful shots and serves from the German who put 18 aces past him, broke him five times and blasted 46 winners to sweep the hapless Spaniard aside.
Needless to report his own serve was never really tested and he has basically, laid down the gauntlet but it will be interesting to see if he retains his newly found love for the surface.
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