Zverev further presents a strong challenge to the ‘Big Four’ which includes Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray, being the only player barring those names to have recorded five ATP Masters 1000 titles.
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Rarely does one get an opportunity to achieve something that neither Roger Federer nor Novak Djokovic have managed over the course of their illustrious careers. However, German tennis star Alexander Zverev boasts of one such unique milestone, having recorded the same during the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. Zverev won a gold medal in the men’s singles event, which has managed to elude those two superstars in an individual capacity.
However, achieving noteworthy feats is no rarity for the German who emerged as the champion in the 2018 edition of the ATP Finals, which made him the youngest winner at the year-end championship in a decade. Zverev further presents a strong challenge to the ‘Big Four’ which includes Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray, being the only player barring those names to have recorded five ATP Masters 1000 titles.
The German has won 17 singles titles so far at the age of 24, which is an indication of his prowess. While many tennis players were finding their feet at this stage of their lives, Zverev has hit the ground running showcasing his talent. The same was evident in his performances during the 2020 edition of the US Open, with the German delivering a fine display.
The German advanced on to the semi-finals in four sets, setting up an encounter against Busta who had advanced in five sets. Zverev pulled off a comeback win after being two sets down, setting up the final against Dominic Thiem. The German was the clear underdog but showcased great confidence, taking an early advantage with wins in the first and second sets. However, Thiem executed a soaring turnaround which witnessed a close finale with the German eventually finishing second best.
Sergi Bruguera is a former Spanish professional tennis player. He earned a silver medal in men’s singles at the 1996 Olympic Games and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 3 in August 1994. He won back-to-back men’s singles titles at the French Open in 1993 and 1994. Only Bruguera has a winning record against both Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. He prevailed in three of his five encounters with Sampras: on the hard court, Bruguera leads 1-0; on the clay court, 2-1; and on the carpet, Sampras leads 1-0.
At the 2000 Barcelona Open, Bruguera defeated Federer 6-1, 6-1 in their lone encounter. The match continues to be Federer’s worst defeat in his career in terms of games won. In May 2022, he was appointed Alexander Zverev’s coach.
