Having secured his first Grand Slam title at the French Open last month after 40 attempts, Zverev's performance at Wimbledon reflected a significant evolution in his game. Critics may note that Sinner was eliminated in the second round and that Alcaraz was sidelined due to a wrist injury, yet Zverev's confidence surged following his victory over Flavio Cobolli in Paris. This newfound belief was evident as he adopted a more aggressive strategy, particularly with his forehand, leading to his best performance at the grass-court Grand Slam to date. "I've said it at the beginning of the year, and I've stuck to it. That's the tennis I want to play," Zverev stated, emphasizing his commitment to this style. He acknowledged that while he faced challenges earlier in the year, his consistency has improved, contributing to his recent successes.
Embracing a New Strategy
Throughout the final against Sinner, Zverev's first serve percentage remained around 80%, and his forehand, once criticized for being too passive, proved to be a formidable weapon against the Italian. "When I have the opportunity, I hit it. Whether I make it or miss it, that depends on the day. But I definitely go for it," he remarked, underscoring his determination to maintain this aggressive approach moving forward.
Setting Sights on the Top
With Sinner and Alcaraz collectively holding 12 Grand Slam titles, Zverev is eager to position himself as a serious contender for major championships. "I think I've been pushing those guys. I haven't beaten them this year, but I've pushed them to the limits," he noted, reflecting on his close matches against both players. Zverev expressed his desire to be more competitive and to win significant tournaments, stating, "If I can be in the mix, competing and winning the big tournaments, it would be great." He also mentioned that his fall during the final affected his serving ability, but he remained proud of his overall performance. "I think the fall didn't help me in the third set. My level dropped a little bit. But then I picked it up in the fourth again," he concluded, highlighting his resilience throughout the match.
