Expectations Growing for Teen Star Alexander Zverev During Breakout Fall
The milestones are quickly piling up for 19-year-old phenom Alexander Zverev.
Considered a future Grand Slam contender and potential world No. 1, Zverev has fueled that hype this fall with a recent string of superb results. He's growing in confidence with every passing match, harnessing his gifts and emerging as tennis' next star in the making.
The youngest player to crack the Top 25 since Novak Djokovic did so in 2006, the world No. 24 should soon find himself even higher in the rankings—especially if his coming-of-age moment in St. Petersburg is a harbinger for what lies ahead.
In the Russian metropolis, Zverev joined Marin Cilic as the only teenagers in the last eight years to win a title. While the St. Petersburg Open may not be the most prestigious event, the German nevertheless defeated two top-10 ranked opponents—Tomas Berdych and U.S. Open king Stan Wawrinka—en route to his maiden championship.
Facing Wawrinka, who had won his last 11 finals appearances, Zverev never let the pressure get to him. He displayed a poise beyond his years, letting his massive serve carry him through crucial service games in the the third set.
"It's great at such a young age as well," Zverev told ATPWorldTour.com. "It's something that I could only dream of and I'm really proud of myself right now."
Zverev might want to use some of his earnings to invest in a trophy room because more prizes are on the horizon.
Beginning 2016 (his second full season) ranked 83rd, Zverev's growth has been profound. From winning only a few games in his Australian Open clash with Andy Murray (and looking generally overmatched) to beating Wawrinka for a title, he's transforming from prospect to someone who truly belongs.
Even Rafael Nadal can see the potential brewing within the teenager, praising him as a possible top-ranked player in the future.
St. Petersburg was a big move in that direction, but Zverev's success this year isn't limited to just that one tournament. Overall, he's 40-21 with finals appearances in Nice and Halle under his belt, the latter achieved after defeating Roger Federer in the semifinals—his first-ever win against a top-10 player.
"I played very good and served well once again," he said at the time, per ATPWorldTour.com. "I think that helped me a little bit and I played well in the important moments. It’s unbelievable to get a win against Roger, especially on grass."
With his big serves and baseline firepower from both wings, the 6'6" Zverev imposes his presence and makes opponents uncomfortable.
Physical tools can only take you so far, though. What's most impressive about Zverev is his approach to the game and demeanor. He carries himself like a wise veteran rather than a novice teen.
Having an older brother, Mischa, who's also a pro, no doubt helped expose the younger Zverev to what life is like on tour and how to cope with the pressure.
For all the accolades he's receiving, Zverev remains level-headed and forward-thinking. His goal isn't to win St. Petersburg, crack the Top 20 and kick up his feet; he wants much more and knows what he needs to do to achieve it.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated's James Pham, Zverev laid out his blueprint for the next step in his evolution:
"There’s no big secret to training. But different body, different training. With me, you have to build muscles but also stay flexible and stay kind of soft which I am naturally. All my big swings, you can’t really tighten that up as much.
Physically the top players are on a different level to other players and that’s why they’re on the top. That’s what I’m working on and what I will work on in the off-season.
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With additional work in the gym and the continuation of his body's natural maturation process, Zverev will become a stronger, fitter player in due time. Doing so should allow him to hold up better in the best-of-five-sets format at Grand Slams, where his best showings to date are third-round finishes at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Expectations for Zverev to go further at majors in 2017 and win titles are only rising. The key is whether he can tune out all the noise and focus on his game.
This week in Beijing, Zverev has shown an ability to do just that. Fresh off his first title, there has been no hangover for him as he racked up yet another victory over a top-10 opponent.
Getting the better of Dominic Thiem for the first time in four tries this year, Zverev now has an opportunity to build more buzz and inch closer to the Top 10 himself.
A new era in men's tennis is being ushered in before our eyes.
All statistics are courtesy of ATPWorldTour.com unless otherwise noted.
Joe Kennard is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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