‘The new generation will be interesting,’ Alexander Zverev faces youngster

March 15, 2021

‘It’s going to be interesting to see what the new generation is like,’ Alexander Zverev to face exciting youngster

Alexander Zverev says he is excited to see what the next generation of players will bring ahead of his first-round match at the Mexican Open against wildcard Carlos Alcaraz.

Alexander Zverev begins his 2021 Acapulco campaign today against 17-year-old Spaniard and ‘next-generation’ prospect Carlos Alcaraz.

‘[It’s] not an easy first round, but I’m looking forward to it,’ Zverev said in a video interview with ATP Tennis TV.

‘I’ve never practised with him, I’ve never really played with him, so it’s going to be interesting to see what the new generation is like.

Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 132 in the world, was granted a wildcard into the tournament after a number of impressive results to start the year, including a win over top-20 player David Goffin at the Great Ocean Road Open in Melbourne in February. The tournament was ultimately won by another rising star, 19-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner.

Alexander Zverev is still only 23 years old but has acknowledged how fast new talents are coming through.

‘I mean, he is what, five years younger than me, six years younger than me? That is already a different generation in a way.

‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait.’