Google News Alexander Zverev: 'I'm happy for Hubert Hurkacz, Jannik Sinner; it's good for tennis'
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 12387
World no. 6 Alexander Zverev enters this week's Monte Carlo Masters with high hopes, returning to his home event and seeking a deep run at the only clay Masters that he hasn't won. In his pre-tournament press conference, Zverev spoke about the Miami Open final, praising both Hubert Hurkacz and Jannik Sinner and saying that the new faces in the notable finals are good for the sport.
Without Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer in the draw, Hurkacz and Sinner took their chances and reached the title match, playing the most important match in their careers. It was the first Masters 1000 final with two players ranked outside the top-30 since Paris 2003, and Hubert scored a 7-6, 6-4 victory in an hour and 43 minutes to become the Polish first Masters 1000 winner at 24.
With those points, Hurkacz passed over 20 rivals on the ATP list and came to the verge of the top-15, hoping the crack that group in Monte Carlo. The Pole won nine points more than the Italian, failing to defend any of three break chances and erasing that deficit with four breaks on his tally from 11 opportunities.
Alexander Zverev shared his thoughts about the Miami Open final.
"I enjoy this time of the year. I like clay and long and physical encounters. I'm looking forward to the upcoming weeks, hoping we can see thrilling matches. I grew up on clay, and I can make a swift transition from hard to clay, maybe half a day.
Of course, you need some time to get used to it after changing the surface. For me, playing on clay is exciting, and I wish the season on the slowest surface is a bit longer. Monte Carlo is the only clay Masters I haven't won, and I can't wait to play my first match here.
I was very happy when I saw who will play in the Miami Open final; two youngsters in the Masters 1000 final is a good thing for our sport. Both Hurkacz and Sinner will achieve a lot in the future. Sinner is an incredible talent, and I believe he can win many Masters 1000 titles.
Novak Djokovic's records speak for themselves. He has won so many things, achieved numerous records and spent the most weeks as world no. 1. Still, he is hungry for more and determined to grab many more records; I think he won't stop until he gets them all.
I wish to see him for many more years on the Tour, although I would love to beat him a few more times," Alexander Zverev said.
