Australian Open 2026: Zverev & Melbourne’s Historic Run

Alexander Zverev didn’t let himself be disturbed. Not from the fans who besieged him with requests for autographs, nor from the over 30 degrees in the midday heat of Melbourne.

Petkovic exclusively on Zverev: “By far the best tennis”

There will be no other way, after all, Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur as well as Zverev himself are still completely in the race. You are in the best company.

“I’ve been watching Sascha for more than ten years now and for me this is by far the best tennis he has played,” praised Andrea Petkovic in a Eurosport interview. The 2021 Olympic champion plays variably, with stops, serve and volley – and, last but not least, an improved forehand.

Zverev: “Because I’m pain-free now”

“The forehand,” Zverev said in Melbourne, was the shot he worked on the most during the off-season, “because I was very behind the other top players in that area.” And in the first week of the tournament there was actually no sign of Zverev’s former weakness.

Alexander Zverev – Francisco Cerundolo | Round of 16 | Highlights

Which: Eurosport

Because that’s how it is, Zverev explained: In order to show a good forehand even in the decisive moments on the court, “you have to train it often enough.” That apparently worked recently and gives Zverev, who repeatedly revealed physical problems last year, a good feeling. “When you’re healthy, tennis is just a little more fun,” he said.

Kerber believes in a Grand Slam title for Zverev

Germany’s last major winner to date also praises the Hamburger’s development in the recent past. And believes in the really big success. “I know that Sascha will win someone. I’m sure of that,” said Angelique Kerber, who returned to the Melbourne Park facility ten years after her first major triumph.

Kerber exclusive: “Zverev and Petkovic are doing incredibly well”

Which: Eurosport

Extremely summery temperatures are once again announced for Tuesday in Melbourne. The thermometer is expected to rise to 45 degrees in the meantime.

• Australian Open – results and tournament history: Men | Ladies

But that doesn’t worry Zverev. Firstly, as he emphasized, he likes to play in the heat. And secondly, as soon as the maximum value on the so-called “Heat Stress Scale” is reached, the organizers will close the roof and convert the Rod Laver Arena into a pleasantly air-conditioned hall.

Challenger Tien? Zverev has “great respect”

There is a lot going for Zverev on Tuesday, despite the in-form opponent that the German warned about in advance. “He’s a great player, very young. Someone who flies a bit under the radar,” said the 28-year-old. Which is why he goes into the game with “great respect” for his opponent.

Haas: “Zverev can win the Australian Open”

Which: Eurosport

The highly gifted Tien has actually lived up to his first name in recent years and has gradually established himself among the world’s best players.

In the round of 16 he inflicted a nasty three-set package on Zverev’s feared opponent Daniil Medvedev. For Zverev, the game should be “just” a stopover on the way to the title.

Zverev opponents in a fact check: Where Tien stands out

Which: Eurosport

If things go as expected, he would then have to beat number one (Alcaraz) and number two (Sinner) on the seeding list. The Hamburger is in good company, but that makes the task incredibly difficult…

(with SID)

Mischa on Zverev’s quarterfinal opponent: That’s what makes Tien so strong

Which: Eurosport