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Expectations Growing for Teen Star Alexander Zverev During Breakout Fall
- Updated: October 6, 2016
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 …
