Zverev’s got what it takes, says Federer
ALEXANDER Zverev has the full package, Roger Federer says, as the young German bids to establish a foothold at the pinnacle of the men’s game and push the old guard aside.
Zverev, 20, who lost in three sets to Federer at the ATP Finals on Tuesday, has climbed to No 3 in the world after a breakthrough season in which he has won five events, including two Masters tournaments.
Having beaten Federer earlier this year at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, Zverev went toeto-toe with the Swiss great in their round-robin encounter at the O2 Arena, taking the match to a third set before he lost his way, but he can still reach the semifinals.
“I like what I’m seeing with Sascha [Alexander],” Federer said.
“I see somebody who is working towards the future.
“I think, yes, of course it’s really important right now to have success.
“He had that with two massive wins in Rome and Montreal. I mean, that’s going to protect his season anyway. The rest sort of it is all a bonus.
“I feel they’re working towards how he could be playing when he’s 23, 24 years old.”
Federer said younger players in general were taking longer to make their mark in the modern game, with most major trophies locked down by the “Big Four” of Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray over many years.
“Now, the future? The thing is, it seems like they need a bit more time, the young guys in general, to break through these days even though I’m really happy to see that there is the likes of [Denis] Shapovalov or Nick [Kyrgios], now also Zverev, making the move early, like what Rafa and Andy did, Novak, Lleyton [Hewitt], all these guys.
“They were such great teenagers. I do see a great upside from all these three guys. What I like about Zverev is he’s got the full package.”
With Djokovic and Murray missing from the end-of-season showpiece and Nadal having pulled out injured, there is a chink of light for Zverev and the other players in the eight-man London event, even if Federer is a big obstacle.
He said whatever happened this week, the experience was going to stand Zverev in good stead for the future. “He’s already three in the world.
“He’s going to leave the World Tour Finals, regardless if he qualifies for the semis or not, with a lot of information.
“The last six months of the season gave him all he needs to work toward.”
I see somebody who is working towards the future