Unstoppable Zverev already looking ahead

Only moments after being crowned ATP Finals champion for a second time, Alexander Zverev declared he was thinking of his 2022 ambitions.

Since Alexander Zverev first lifted the ATP Finals trophy in 2018 he’s pretty much done it all, apart from one major goal.

The world No.3 has added two Masters 1000 titles to his resume in 2021 and took home gold from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Now he’s reclaimed the ATP Finals title, dismissing world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and then backing up that epic with 6-4, 6-4 to overpower world No.2 Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

“It is special. I’m super thrilled. There’s no better way to finish the season that to win here,” insisted the German, fresh from confirming his sixth title of the season.

“I’m super happy right now but I’m very much looking forward to next year already. I just finished the match, but we’ll see what happens.”

Two Grand Slam semi-finals in 2021 – losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in a Roland-Garros five-set thriller and Djokovic in a US Open five-set blockbuster – and with his Turin triumph, Zverev is eagle-eyed on the major prizes. With his performances this week, so he should be.

“I kind of have succeeded on every single level, and there's one thing missing. I hope I can do that next year.”

The mission is clear.

Medvedev lacked spark, Zverev level launched

Medvedev was the favourite heading into action, having claimed victory in their last five encounters, including a blazing round-robin contest which went the distance on Tuesday.

However, the US Open champion admitted he lacked a “spark” on Sunday, lethargic in key moments and unable to knock a soaring Zverev off kilter.

Zverev clattered down 23 winners, eight aces in another polished serving display and was so clinical he didn’t face a single break point. He was simply untouchable.

In context, the 24-year-old was coming off a statement 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 scoreline to dispatch Djokovic from Saturday night. Two wins that indicate Zverev is well and truly back to his best.

“Look, you go into the match knowing that you're playing one of the two best players in the world. I knew that I had to play my best tennis to beat him. I did that today,” reflected the German. “I think I played a very good match.”

Djokovic stated that Zverev’s rocket serve is one of the best out there, his main weapon. It’s difficult to argue against that if you watched his world No.1-No.2 double this weekend. Add in his controlled aggression, ability to absorb power, to find the acute angles under pressure. Zverev has the full artillery to add the Grand Slams to his trophy cabinet.

That’s been evident for a few seasons now, but these Turin performances have rubber stamped the major credentials.

"Is he going to do it? We never know.”

“It's tough to say. You never know where your career is going to go. Some players start to play worse, somebody gets injured, somebody wins 20 Grand Slams. It's the same about Sascha.” Said Medvedev, asked about Zverev’s Grand Slam pursuit.

“He is a great player that is capable of beating anybody. He definitely can win a Grand Slam because it's just obvious. But he's not the only one. That's where it gets tough. He was in the semis in US Open, lost in five sets. Who knows, maybe he would be in the final, he would beat me.

“It's just a matter of every tournament is a different scenario, different surface. You need to win seven matches to be a Grand Slam champion. Is he capable? Yes. Is he going to do it? We never know.”

Back to the trophy presentation and Zverev was complimentary towards his opponent. 

“I want to start congratulating Daniil, incredible season winning your first Grand Slam. Being the leader of our generation…,” said Zverev, before a side glance. “For now!”

The ATP Finals champion is already firing off signals of intent for 2022. Turin proved he’s on the right path to find that missing piece to the puzzle.