World No. 2 Alexander Zverev shares confident take on Madrid Open after Munich title

After a string of disappointing performances in recent months, Alexander Zverev rediscovered his top form at the Munich Open, capturing his first title of the year. Riding that momentum, the German star now sets his sights on the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid Open.

“Just struggling for the last few months and coming up with a title in Munich, at home, is very special and I really enjoyed that week,” Zverev admitted in an interview shared by the official ATP Tour website. He also highlighted the significance of winning the title on his 28th birthday, which he celebrated on April 20. “Winning on your birthday is special for sure.”

Alexander had suffered early exits in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo. That made his Munich title not only a breath of fresh air in an up-and-down season, but also helped him leapfrog Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings.

“I think it’s a weekly thing, I think you got to keep working, keep finding a way to improve your game, a way to improve your confidence,” said Zverev, reflecting on his Munich run. “I think the match in the quarterfinals against Griekspoor was very important for me, you know, winning from a losing position.”

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates winning the final match against Ben Shelton of USA.

Zverev optimistic ahead of Madrid Open

In the same interview, Alexander Zverev was asked about how he recharges and stays motivated heading into a new tournament, in this case the Madrid Open, just days after his win in Munich.

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“Trust me, it’s easier to do that when you win a title than when you lose first round,” the German star replied with a smile. “You kinda feel like, ‘OK, I can play well again now,’ and then, hopefully, the things will go into the right place.”

Sasha also spoke about the importance of regaining confidence in his own abilities. “The confidece can come back, you all of a sudden feel better on the court, you all of a sudden swing a little bit more freely and I felt really well in Munich,” he explained.

Zverev’s path in Madrid

For Alexander Zverev, the Madrid Open arrives not only in the wake of a confidence-boosting victory in Munich, but also after several days of rest that could be crucial ahead of such a demanding event. Following Sunday’s win over Ben Shelton, he’ll have five days off before making his Madrid debut.

On Friday, Zverev will begin his Madrid Open campaign against Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 64. His opponent, one of the local favorites, is currently ranked No. 55 in the ATP rankings and reached this stage after defeating fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in the round of 128. The winner of the clash between Zverev and Bautista Agut will face either Nuno Borges or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round.