Alexander Zverev expressed optimism ahead of the final Major of 2025, having regained some form after an inconsistent few months.
Speaking to the media, the World No. 3 took confidence from his consecutive semi-final runs in Toronto and Cincinnati. “I think I had two positive tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, where my level has been improving with every match,” he said.
Undoubtedly, in the conversation for the best player never to have won a Grand Slam, Zverev still has time. But he needs to maintain a strong and consistent level to ensure that dream doesn’t slip away. An Olympic gold medallist and two-time ATP Finals champion, Zverev has also secured an impressive seven Masters 1000 titles. He has come close to reaching the promised land on several occasions.
Thiem with Zverev after Thiem’s win in New York (photo, ABC News Australia)
The first Major final he competed in was held behind closed doors at Flushing Meadows in 2020. He led Dominic Thiem by two sets, but the Austrian dug deep to pip Zverev to the title in New York.
Zverev faced Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Roland Garros final, and led 2-1. Once again, he couldn’t close out the match, losing in another thrilling five-setter. His third shot came at this year’s Australian Open. Jannik Sinner proved too strong for Zverev, earning an impressive straight-sets victory to defend his title in Melbourne successfully.
Since then, Zverev has experienced a decline in results. Tallon Griekspoor eliminated him in the second round at Indian Wells, before Arthur Fils defeated him in the last 16 at the Miami Open. He put up a decent fight against Novak Djokovic in the pair’s French Open quarter-final meeting, but the Serbian came back from a set down to drown Zverev in Paris.
While grass isn’t his preferred surface, his first-round Wimbledon exit at the hands of Arthur Rinderknech was a huge shock and a massive disappointment. However, his recent hardcourt performances have been strong.
He came from a set down to beat reigning champion Alexei Popyrin at the National Bank Open. He defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets in Cincinnati after the American’s victorious run in Canada. Karen Khachanov ousted the German in their Toronto semi-final, while Alcaraz thwarted him in the last four in Cincinnati.
Nevertheless, his performances at those two Masters 1000s appear to have boosted the 2020 finalist’s confidence heading into the US Open. “I’m looking for the last step. I’m looking to lift one of those [Grand Slams] above my head,” he said.
While Sinner and Alcaraz currently look well ahead of the rest of the field, Zverev’s high ranking and experience over many of his competitors could help him upset the odds in the Big Apple.
Zverev teamed up with Belinda Bencic for the mixed doubles event. They were knocked out in the opening round by Christian Harrison and Danielle Collins.
His singles campaign begins on Monday as he takes on Alejandro Tabilo.
