Alexander Zverev started his eighth ATP Finals campaign with a 6-3, 7-6 triumph over Ben Shelton. World no. 3 has quietly built one of the most remarkable streaks on the ATP Tour.
The 28-year-old extended his dominance over left-handers by defeating the American in straight sets, marking his 36th win fromthe previous 37 encounters against southpaws.
Alexander suffered a tough loss to Marc Andrea Huesler in the Davis Cup at the beginning of 2023. Since then, he has won all but one matches against left-handers, including the Roland Garros triumph over nearly-retired Rafael Nadal.
While enjoying his run, Zverev was quick to put it in perspective, with Nadal's name entering the conversation. During the peak years of the Spaniard's remarkable career, facing a left-hander was never something he or anyone else could treat lightly.
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As world no. 3 admitted, his record would not look the same with healthy Rafa around. Thus, he recognized the Spaniard's unique spin and tactical intelligence that made him the ultimate champion.
Alexander beat Rafa four times while losing seven matches. Still, Zverev's comfort against left-handers is no coincidence. Growing up alongside his older brother, Mischa, a classic lefty with sharp serves and a heavy slice, helped him to get used to their patterns early.
That familiarity helps him today big time. The German acknowledged the emerging new generation of talented and crafty lefty players. He mentioned Ben Shelton andJack Draper as established stars and praised Ugo Humbert and Learnen Tien for their explosive games and creativity.
Alexander's results in this specific category speak for themselves. Until someone cracks his code, he remains the Tour's unsolved puzzle for lefty rivals. And once again, things are much easier when Rafael Nadal in his prime is not around!
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"Look, I think left-handers are always difficult to play against. When Rafa was around, I do not think this record stood in my favor. I think there were a few years where there were not really any great left-handers when Rafa retired.
Now, we have Ben Shelton and Jack Draper, the top-10 materials, as well as Ugo Humbert and Learnen Tien, who play incredibly well. There are some excellent left-handers out there.
I grew up playing with my brother Mischa, who is a typical left-hander with his serve, slice and style of play. It was the most left-handed game possible, and I got used to it. Maybe that experience helps me today," Alexander Zverev said.
