MUTUA MADRID OPEN

May 8, 2021

Alexander Zverev

Press Conference

A. ZVEREV/D. Thiem

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Second match in a row where you served exceptionally well under pressure. Would you say you're turning a corner in terms of locking down your serve in these big matches?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I mean, when I feel like this, then yeah, sure. But yeah, it's been two great matches for me. I think today was a little bit of a weirder match because of the wind and the conditions.

But all in all, yeah, it's been good. The job is not done yet. I hope I can do well tomorrow.

Q. Can you share with us how challenging it is to play Rafa, Domi in back-to-back matches and come through with satisfying victories?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I mean, they're probably the two clay-courters that you think of right now when you're thinking about Roland Garros and the biggest chances of winning. Obviously Rafa is the favorite no matter what. Probably Novak second, Dominic a close third.

Yeah, it's been so far a good week for me. As I said, the job is not done yet. Tomorrow I have a very difficult opponent no matter who it's going to be. I hope I can continue playing and performing the way I am.

Q. Speaking of Roland Garros, given that it was last played less than seven months ago, and clay court matches tend to be long and grueling and difficult on the body, do you find it more difficult to be playing these matches on clay or is it harder on the body to be playing on hard courts? You've had great success on both.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think on your bones and on - how do you say - tendons and everything, it's probably hard courts are more difficult because you're moving on a harder surface. On the ligaments, as well.

Clay obviously is longer points. You have to run more. Your muscles get tired more. It's a give-and-take.

I think physically, muscular-wise, it's tougher on a clay court. For your body it's definitely a bigger beating on a hard court.

Q. You're winning so easily, at least in terms of scores and games. What do you expect tomorrow? I hope you're not going to play Berrettini if you beat him so easily. What are you expecting in case Berrettini plays against you tomorrow?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: What do you expect? What score do you expect?

Q. I would be already very happy if Berrettini makes the final.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Okay, so what score do you expect (laughter)?

Q. My God. Already I'm afraid.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Give me a number, give me an answer (laughter).

Q. Tomorrow you're going to lose one set against Berrettini.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I don't agree with that. No, no, I don't agree.

Q. You don't agree?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: No, I don't.

Q. If you serve as well as you've been serving right now, it will be difficult.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Thank you.

Q. Tell me what you think about Berrettini.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: He's been playing exceptionally well this week. I saw the end of last night where he won 11 games in a row. He was almost unplayable. He was hitting the ball so hard, serving extremely well. It'll going to be difficult.

As I said, he needs to win the semifinals first because Casper Ruud is also somebody that plays well on this surface especially. He beat Tsitsipas this week, who just won his first Masters in Monte-Carlo. He's been playing well.

No matter who it is, it's going to be a difficult match.