The temperatures are still moderate for Melbourne. 28 degrees, mix of sun and clouds. Nevertheless, Alexander Zverev (25) is sweating. Germany’s top tennis player is plowing on the training ground to get in shape for the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. Most recently, he even trained with German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki (44).
Alexander Zverev (left) and Dirk Nowitzki trained together
His girlfriend Sophia Thomalla (33) is also there to support him. She posted photos of herself with kangaroos and koalas. The actress and presenter also saw penguins on Phillip Island and toured the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne.
Thomalla with kangaroos
Thomalla with the twelve apostles
Despite all this, Zverev’s chances are not good…
Zverev: “My tennis is far from the level I want to be at. But that’s normal after seven months without a match,” says Zverev. The tennis star tore multiple ligaments against Rafael Nadel at the French Open in June last year. Later there were problems with the foot. His condition is still not optimal. “I’ve only been pain-free since the show tournament in Saudi Arabia, but I get tired faster than before,” says Zverev.
Actually, he only wanted to return to the tour when he could win tournaments. But he is far from that. “It would be unrealistic and pretty stupid of me to expect to win.” Why is he still competing in Melbourne? Brother and manager Mischa Zverev (35) explains in SPORT BILD: “He needs match practice. What should he do at home in Monaco with eight degrees and drizzle? In Australia he was even able to train with Nadal. He just needs time.”
The latest results did not exactly inspire optimism. Although there was a 6: 3, 6: 4 win against superstar Novak Djokovic (35) at the show tournament in Dubai, Zverev lost at the United Cup in Sydney to the unknown Czech Jiri Lehecka (21), number 78 in the world. He lost 6-1, 6-4 against world number ninth Taylor Fritz (25/USA).
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How does Zverev, who is only listed in 13th place, get back to his old level? With hard work! Mischa Zverev: “We’re working on running fitness. Before a Grand Slam you play 30 to 50 sets, he has maybe ten. He needs more of the strenuous training sets.” That also helps mentally. “You have to play practice matches until you forget you had an accident seven months ago. Whether I’m too cautious about an action or not, these thoughts shouldn’t arise,” says Mischa Zverev.
While girlfriend Sophia is looking at the botanical garden in Melbourne and Phillip Island, 80 kilometers away, Zverev has to keep working to maybe play a successful tournament.
Here Thomalla is waiting for the penguins on Phillip Island
