Alexander Zverev has been doing something very ‘unusual’ at the ATP Finals which has left Andrea Petkovic surprised
Alexander Zverev has enjoyed a strong start to the ATP Finals, winning all three of his group stage games in straight sets.
The German is a two-time champion at the ATP Finals and is looking to add to his tally this time round in Turin.
He won his opening match against Andrey Rublev, before Zverev beat Casper Ruud to put himself just one win away from the semi-finals.
Zverev then took down Carlos Alcaraz to guarantee his spot in the semi-finals where he will face Taylor Fritz.
Fritz beat Zverev at the US Open earlier this year, knocking him out at the quarter-final stage.
Zverev has enjoyed a stellar year on the ATP Tour, picking up Masters 1000 titles in Rome, and in Paris earlier this month.
Success that could be down to a lot of hard work, according to his fellow German.
Andrea Petkovic ‘surprised’ by what Alexander Zverev has been doing at the ATP Finals
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Zverev’s semi-final match against Fritz, former world number nine Andrea Petkovic spoke to Laura Robson about what he has been able to do in Turin.
“I have been surprised, not because he didn’t have it in him because he has played the best tennis of his life all year long,” she said.
“But ever since Wimbledon he has had this terrible, nasty fall against Cam Norrie and ever since then he hasn’t been the same, he struggled with his health, he had the bone bruise, then pneumonia.
“I was kind of prepared to call the season a season for him, because I thought I don’t know if he can get healthy again.
“Then all of a sudden in Paris he looked at 100%, I don’t know where he got it from, and he’s been practicing here after every match for 30 minutes.”
Robson agreed with Petkovic’s assesment.
“We have been so surprised by that,” said the former British number one.
“Along with that he has been practicing for 90 minutes on the off day.
“That is unusual.”
Petkovic went on to say what Zverev has done that has impressed her the most at the ATP Finals.
“At the end of the season usually everyone is cooked and doesn’t want to see the tennis courts any more but he really has discovered this new burst of life and energy in him, so that’s what surprised me most,” she said.
“2024 I do think has been the best tennis he has ever shown.
“His forehand has been good, his serve looks good under pressure and he has been serving 80% first serve, which is incredible.”
Has Alexander Zverev had his best ever year in 2024?
Petkovic seemed to suggest that 2024 has been the best season of the 27-year-olds career, but do the stats back that up?
| Year | Best Grand Slam performance | Best Masters 1000 performance | ATP Finals performance | Other big titles | Year-end ranking |
| 2024 | F – French Open | W – Italian Open, Paris Masters | SF* | – | 2nd |
| 2021 | SF – French Open, US Open | W – Madrid Open, Cincinnati Open | W | Olympic Gold | 3rd |
| 2017 | 4R – Wimbledon | W – Italian Open, Canadian Open | RR | – | 4th |
| 2018 | QF – French Open | W – Madrid Open | W | – | 4th |
| 2020 | F – US Open | F – Paris Masters | RR | – | 7th |
2024 has undoubtedly been a fantastic year for Zverev on the ATP Tour, finishing with his highest year-end ranking to date, as well as picking up two Masters 1000 titles.
Reaching a second Grand Slam final doesn’t hurt either, as the German made some big strides this year.
It’s tough to compete with 2021 however, as Zverev won both the ATP Finals and Olympic Gold, whilst picking up another two Masters titles along the way.
2024 could yet become even more impressive if he can go on to win a third ATP Finals crown.
Ruud and Jannik Sinner will compete in the second semi-final later on Saturday.
