After Djokovic, Alexander Zverev is the favourite in Melbourne – Wilander
In an interview to Express, the seven-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander admitted he was surprised not to see Alexander Zverev get better results in 2018. The German. however, did reach a Grand Slam quarter-final, at the French Open losing to Dominic Thiem, after having a bad start to the season.
However, Wilander is confident that Zverev will have a deep run at the Australian Open this month. I have been shocked in the last year that he hasnt done better, Wilander admitted. But there hasnt been a reason to believe he should have done better.
[But] now hes beaten Federer and then Djokovic in London. The way he played tactically, the way he executed physically. And with Ivan Lendl in his box, they are going to be so tough to beat. After Djokovic, Zverev has to be considered the favourite.
In five sets in Melbourne, with his game, I dont see that he loses to anyone except maybe a Djokovic or Federer. This is the arrival of Zverev. Im 99 per cent convinced. Id be absolutely shocked [if he doesnt reach the final.] Zverev had a good ending to the 2018 season as he won the ATP World Tour Finals in London against Novak Djokovic, beating the Serb in straight sets.
He started the season well by reaching the Hopman Cup final in Perth. He, however, was reportedly dealing with a hamstring issue before the start of the Australian Open. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title
