Alexander Zverev ‘more motivated than ever’ to win a major, saying US Open defeat made him ‘hungrier’
He snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at the US Open last year, but instead of feeling demoralised by the result, Alexander Zverev says the loss is inspiring him to “improve every single aspect” of his game.
The German was two points away from breaking his Grand Slam duck in the Flushing Meadows final against Dominic Thiem, but the Austrian produced a miraculous comeback to win 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).
“That loss made me in a way even hungrier,” Zverev said. “I was two points away from winning my first Grand Slam title at the US Open, but I didn’t at the end of the day. You have to look at those things as well.
“In a way, this year I feel like I’m more motivated than ever to do well. I’m trying to improve every single aspect of the game to give myself the best chance that I can have.
“I feel like I’m building towards that.”
Alexander Zverev makes statement of intent with stunning win in Mexico
Zverev followed up his 2020 US Open heartbreak with a fourth-round exit at the rescheduled French Open while he lost in the quarter-final of this year’s Australian Open.
Although he is eyeing a Career Grand Slam in the long-term, for now the world No 7’s focus is on the Miami Open where he is seeded third.
“I would like to win them all,” Zverev, who will face Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round, said.
“I’m looking forward to the next weeks. I’m not trying to think of the Grand Slams right now because the Grand Slams are… still a little bit far away,” he said.
“We have four Masters 1000s events before that. I have other big events before that, as well. I’m trying to focus on that, trying to compete in those events, trying to do the (best) job that I can.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray faces agonising waiting game after ankle injury nightmare
Andy Murray waiting to hear whether he still has a chance to end his career at Wimbledon this summer.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev admits it ‘didn’t smell good’ as he mounts amazing Miami comeback
Daniil Medvedev bounced back from a desperate position in the first set tie-break to beat Dominik Koepfer.
-
Tennis News
Final moments of the Novak Djokovic era of dominance were hard to identify
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
Tennis News
Juan Martin del Potro makes Novak Djokovic claim as he weighs in on GOAT debate
“I believe that if he wins a couple more Grand Slams, there will no longer be a discussion.”
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu set for another rankings fall – but the only way is up now
Emma Raducanu is projected to tumble down the WTA rankings when the new list is released next week.
-
Tennis News
Gael Monfils makes brutal Carlos Alcaraz admission as he describes facing the Spaniard
“I feel like I’m getting eaten up, but at the same time, I feel like I’m playing well.”
-
Tennis News
Coco Gauff makes Novak Djokovic confession and reveals she modelled key shot after the Serb
“I tried to model it after Novak Djokovic a lot. That’s where that inspiration comes from.”
-
ATP Tour
Lorenzo Musetti told what he needs to do to beat ‘inspirational’ Carlos Alcaraz
“Alcaraz can play through you, he can play around you, he can bring you in so I just don’t know where Musetti goes.”