The title at the NOVENTI OPEN is right at the top of Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev: “This is one of my favourite tournaments that I want to win”, Zverev said at a virtual press conference of the ATP 500 top event. The World No. 6 arrived in HalleWestphalia just 24 hours after being defeated by Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals at the French Open. The 24-year-old had his first training session on grass this morning: “For me this is the most difficult transition from clay to grass courts. I’m not so quick at adjusting as Roger Federer. Not for nothing he won Wimbledon eight times. “
Zverev meets Dominik Koepfer (ATP 59) from the Black Forest, in his first round at the 28th tournament (12. bis 20. June), he awaits fierce resistance: “He is a fighter who pushes the limits and gives all. I must be fully concentrated.” By playing golf with his German colleagues - Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz – as well as Davis Cup-captain Michael Kohlmann, the player from Hamburg relaxed a little after the hard weeks of matches on clay: “It was the first opportunity to get onto the golf course. I’m competitive here, too. I don’t just play along. “
But the real focus in HalleWestphalia is on the tennis mission and being successful in his sixth run for the title. “This year it is especially challenging due to the tight calendar and the strong competition. Preparation time is very, very short. “ Zverev said. Twice he reached the singles and the doubles finals at the grass ATP 500 event in Halle, but just missed grabbing the cup. Zverev believes he has shaken off losing in the semi-finals in Paris: “I talked to my team intensively, it was just a match I got into much too late and then, in the fifth set I didn’t take my chances“, the German No. 1 player said. I am now ready for the task in Halle.“
