There's a new kid on the block
Mischa Zverev's little brother Alexander stepped out of his older brothers shadow and into the spotlight at the start of this year. At the 2014 Australian Open boys singles tournament, the then sixteen year-old German slaughtered American Stefan Kozlov 6-3, 6-0 to win the title.
"I have no doubt that he can reach the top of the tennis temple"
The Australian Open Boys title was just the beginning for Zverev, 2014 proved to be a break-out year for the young star.
Genetically blessed, Zverev stands at 6 foot. 6 and makes the most of his height with a booming serve. His serve is not one-dimensional however, he can hit all corners of the service box from the same ball toss. It's hard to read and is giving all of his opponents plenty of trouble.
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| Winning the Australian Open Boys Title - Source: Zimbio |
At the start of July, Zverev took a few more big steps with his gangly frame to win his first title on the Challenger tour. Beating three top-100 players in the process, he became the youngest player to win on the circuit since Bernard Tomic in 2009. Looking right at home on the red-dirt, the German overcame Paul-Henri Mathieu in three sets.
Continuing to impress on the clay, Alexander won his first ATP tour match in Hamburg. Zverev proved tough to beat that tournament, winning his way to the semi finals to face Spaniard David Ferrer. While the match against Ferrer proved that Zverev wasn't quite ready to take down the very best, the world certainly stood up and took notice of the feisty young German.
His long levers create awesome top-spin off both sides, along with pin-point accuracy, Zverev will be a force on all surfaces. With so much upside and potential, all eyes are on Alexander to see what he can do in 2015. Moving forward, Zverev will have to keep his hot head under control. All of the top players can keep calm in moments of trepidation, if Zverev can develop this same skills I have no doubt that he can reach the top of the tennis temple.
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| At home on clay - Source: Zimbio |
Already reaching the pinnacle of the junior ranks in 2013, Zverev turned his attention to the senior tour in 2014. He should be aiming to be a regular main stay inside the top 100 in 2015. He'll start the Australian summer in qualifying, but I think he is ready to start winning main draw matches at the grand slams.
The German is already quite well known to the tennis fraternity, but I think 2015 will be the year when the wider public will learn the name... Alexander Zverev.
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