Alexander Zverev in an exclusive interview before Monte Carlo: “You can’t compare Nadal to me”

The interview was conducted by Laura Robson

“I had the feeling that could have been my week,” says Zverev now in an exclusive interview with Eurosport back to Roland Garros.

Instead of a possible entry into the final, a period of suffering began, which the Olympic champion is now talking about before the start of the tournament in the principality. Although the injured ankle is no longer a problem, “when you’re out there for so long, you always feel something different,” says the 25-year-old openly and explains what he still needs to do to reach his best level.

Mr. Zverev, how is the preparation for the clay court Masters in Monte Carlo going?

Zverev: It usually takes me ten minutes to get used to the clay court (laughs). It’s a surface on which I feel very good and on which I really enjoy playing. This year was a bit different: I had to get the injury and the accident out of my mind so I could feel confident moving and sliding on the court. But I think that will come with time. The more games I play, the better it will be. I have to go back to the positive memories I made on this surface. I hope it will be a clay court season that I will enjoy.

Do you still have the whole thing in your head, can you still feel your ankle?

Zverev: No, I don’t feel the ankle at all. My ankle has been pain free for a few months now, but I always have other problems. When you’re outside for such a long time, you constantly feel something different. In Miami I had hip problems. You might feel your muscles a little differently on the clay courts. But once I’m healthy and completely pain free, I think I’ll be ready to play in these tournaments again. But: my body has to cooperate for that.

Maybe you’re just getting older.

Zverev: I don’t want to say it like that because I’m only 25 years old (laughs). I’m actually getting older too, that plays a part – but hopefully I’ve got a few more years ahead of me.

How far are you from your best tennis?

Zverev: I think I played outstanding tennis in Dubai. I also played very well in Indian Wells. If I survive the game against Daniil Medvedev there, I might get into the final. Who knows what will happen then. Maybe I’m just a point or two away from my best tennis. You can be at your highest level in training, you can be at your best in the games in certain situations. But then you have to win those matches to feel like you’re back. I think that’s the only thing I’m missing at the moment.

Let’s look ahead to the French Open. They came close to winning the match in the semifinals against Rafael Nadal. Did you feel it was time for you to beat Rafa on “his” court?

Zverev: For some reason I actually did. Not to sound arrogant, Rafa is the best player to ever play on this surface. You never know what will happen in a match like this. Of course I can also lose the game if I don’t injure myself. But I had the feeling that I was playing better than ever on this surface. For some reason I felt like I could at least compete with him – and I have. Of course, the outcome always depends on the little things. However, I felt like it could have been my week.

Rafael Nadal is someone who kept coming back from injuries. How long did it take you to feel safe again on the pitch?

Zverev: With Rafa and Roger (Federer, A.d.R.) it was different from me. They came back from injuries and immediately won tournaments. I don’t know how they did it, but they pulled it off for over 20 years. I needed time. However, I think my injury was a little different. I couldn’t really walk for two months. You then have to relearn your movement, you have to relearn how to walk and run. These are all factors that play a small role in tennis (laughs). You can’t compare Rafa to me because he comes back and wins – and not only that, he wins 6-0, 6-1 or 6-1, 6-2.

Did you learn something new during your injury time, found a new hobby or learned a new language?

Zverev: I haven’t learned a new language. I didn’t learn to cook either, although I tried. I’m playing a lot better golf now. Otherwise not, I’m still the old man.

Rehab takes a lot of time.

Zverev: Not even that. But off the court I’m pretty lazy, I don’t really want to learn new things (laughs). I’m not very talented. I know what I can and can’t do – and I prefer to stick to it.

You will face Alexander Bublik in the first round, a tough, unpredictable opponent.

Zverev: Especially against him you have to be ready to play at the best level. You also have to reckon with crazy things, be prepared for underarm serves. You never really know what you’re going to get. But the bottom line is I’m just looking forward to being back on clay and hopefully playing some good matches.

And get the home fans behind you.

Zverev: Exactly. Well, most of them are Italian and French. I don’t know if they stand behind the German that much (laughs).

Thank you for the interview, Mr. Zverev.