Alexander Zverev is trying to regain his certainties at this stage of the season, after expressing a level below expectations in the first half of the season. The world number 3 had started 2025 quite brilliantly by reaching the final at the Australian Open, but all his improvements were not enough to put defending champion Jannik Sinner in trouble who demolished him in three sets on the iconic Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park.
Since then, Sascha has struggled to put off performances that match his talent and has had to admit that something had broken in his mind. After his untimely elimination at the Wimbledon Championships, the former world number 2 went to Manacor to practice together with Toni Nadal in Rafa's Academy, receiving very useful advice from the latter and presenting himself at the Toronto Masters 1000 with huge ambitions.
The German ace was the top favorite in Canada due to the absences of Jannik Sinner and Carlitos Alcaraz, but he did not go beyond the semifinals and missed a huge chance to get closer to the Spanish star in the ATP rankings ahead of the US Open.
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Zverev can rest now
The 2025 AO finalist is playing well at the Cincinnati Open for now and hasn't been distracted by any unforeseen events either. He had to complete his match against Brandon Nakashima yesterday, having been interrupted by rain when he was only one game away from winning.
The champion from Hamburg returned to action on the same day against Karen Khachanov for the round of 16, benefiting from the Russian player's retirement when Sascha led 7-5 3-0. Zverev will have a rest day and will play the next match tomorrow against the winner of the clash between Ben Shelton and Jiri Lehecka.
Alexander's main goal came with top confidence at the US Open, which will start on August 24 and will be a very important tournament for his future as well. The German reached his first Grand Slam final in New York five years ago.
