Alexander Zverev: I am learning to play like greats Federer, Nadal, Djokovic

Dubai: There is no substitute to experience and Alexander Zverev used it to his advantage to overcome the challenge from in-form Jiri Lehecka to sneak in to the second round with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win in the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday.

“My game was not great at times and didn’t start the match very well, but found a way to win,” said the 25-year-old German, who rallied from a set down to avenge the loss he suffered at the hands of Lehecka in Sydney. “I first played Jiri back in Sydney and I had absolutely no chance in that match. I am happy that I have progressed and I have improved since then. He is playing amazing tennis.”

The Czech, smarting from a stunning loss at the hands of Andy Murray, who saved five match points to beat Lehecka in the Qatar Open semi-finals, started with an early break. The tenacious 21-year-old, ranked 47 in the world, then held his serve to win the set 6-4.

Zverev, who was also eliminated by Murray in the quarter-finals in Doha, regained his composure in the second. A service meltdown by the Australian Open quarterfinalist, serving three double faults when he was trailing 2-3, handed over the initiative to the German, who served out the set 6-3.

Zverev, the former world No 2, waited patiently for his young opponent to crack and that opportunity came when a frustrated Lehecka made several unforced errors to give the crucial break to the 2020 Olympic gold medallist, who waiting for it patiently.

The German for the first time in a while showed his vulnerability after taking a 4-3 lead. He conceded his serve after taking a 4-3 lead and then broke back to win the set 6-4.

“I am sure, I will be playing the next few matches much better. Sometimes that’s what makes the best players, finding a way out to win when you are not playing well. Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal], Novak [Djokovic] and Andy [Murray] did that during the last 20 years. I am trying to learn from them,” he said.