Australian Open: Starting from zero after 'painful' injury, Alexander Zverev happy to be back where he belongs

Australian Open: Starting from zero after ‘painful’ injury, Alexander Zverev happy to be back where he belongs

Alexander Zverev said that he was happy to overcome the ordeal of the ‘painful’ injury he suffered during the French Open in 2022 after beating Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday, January 24 to reach the final four stage of the Australian Open.

Zverev was involved in a titanic battle with Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, when he suffered an injury that would put him out of action for the entire year. It also meant that the German missed out on becoming World No.1 at that time and was forced to regain his form and get back into the top ten.

The German would down Alcaraz in four sets on Wednesday to set up a clash with Daniil Medvedev, and opened up about the setback. Speaking after his win, Zverev called it a very difficult moment for his career as in the back of the mind he had the thought of becoming World No.1.

Zverev said missing out on the top spot was the painful part for him as he was forced to start over.

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“I mean, it was, it was a very difficult moment, obviously, in my career and in my life, generally, because, you know, even if I had lost that match against Rafa at the French Open, it’s Rafa. Anything can happen, and obviously he’s won it 14 billion times. So, um, I think a lot of players have lost to him there. But, you know, having in the back of my mind that I need to win one match in the next three months to become world number one. That was the most painful part for me and I had to start over. I had to start from zero, and, uh, I’m happy to be back in the top 10. I’m happy to be back in a major semifinals, and playing for titles,” said Zverev.

How did Zverev defeat Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open?

Zverev dominated the match from the get-go at the Rod Laver Arena, and breezed through the first two sets with a remarkable show of force.

While Alcaraz dominated in certain phases, Zverev’s incredible defence was on display throughout the match. Alcaraz momentarily posed a comeback threat by breaking Zverev for the first time in the match when the German served for victory at 5-3 in the third set.

The Spaniard would win the third set through tiebreaker but Zverev weathered the storm in the 4th set and won the match.

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