Alexander Zverev advanced to the Shanghai Masters Round of 16 Wednesday, but the victory he needed was far from simple.After all, he won both of his sets against Tallon Griekspoor via tiebreak. It took him eight match points to secure victory.
And, speaking after the match, he was extremely appreciative of the Dutchman.
Alexander Zverev was surprised by Tallon Griekspoor. Alexander Zverev couldn’t have been more effusive in his admiration for his opponent while chatting on the court immediately following his hard-fought victory.
In fact, he argued that with a little focus, Griekspoor might easily break into the top ten soon.
The German stated, “It was a tough match going back and forth.” I think he was a little lucky in the third set, and I got extremely lucky in the tiebreak. They basically of equaled each other out, but it was an unbelievable match.
‘He’s a terrific player who I constantly battle against. We always have incredibly tough bouts, and I believe he should be much higher ranked than he is.
‘He needs to look at why he isn’t playing like that every week, because if he was, he would be a contender for huge tournaments, possibly in the top ten or top fifteen in the world.
“For me, he’s an incredible player.” How is Alexander Zverev’s fitness? Zverev eventually won, but it wasn’t easy.
And, while he admitted to always battling with Griekspoor, some of that could be attributable to a continuing difficulty that he confesses he can’t overcome.
Zverev provided a fitness update earlier this month, stating: “I have an inflammation in my lung.” It will take about two to three months to be entirely gone. I canceled my trip to Beijing since I felt really unwell. I had a high temperature both during and after the Laver Cup.
I ended up in the hospital. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have the energy to play. I was on antibiotics for one week. I feel better now, yet the problem with my lung persists.
The doctor stated it would not delay or worsen my recuperation if I played, which is why I’m here (at the Shanghai Masters), and I’m pleased to give it my all.
It is incredible that he can continue to play while suffering from this illness, but he must exercise caution if he wants to recover fully.
