MIAMI OPEN PRESENTED BY ITAú

March 29, 2022

Alexander Zverev

Mixed Zone Interview

A. ZVEREV/T. Kokkinakis

6-4, 6-4

Q. Talk about today, the way you played and how Kokkinakis played as well.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I think it wasn't the prettiest match that there was, but at the end of the day sometimes you need to find a way. I did that today.

I think Thanasi is in great shape right now, he's in great form. I see he was hurting a little bit with his back, from what I understand. Sometimes, yeah, you have just got to find a way and I did that today.

Q. Just on Thanasi, how do you feel? I mean, the way he started this year after all he's been through, it looked good?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: He will be at the top of the game very shortly, I think. I think he's going to be top 50, top 20. Then we will see how it goes.

He has a massive game. He is obviously a massive talent which was hindered by injuries. I wish him nothing but the best.

Q. He was saying the other day that you two are very good friends.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah.

Q. Did that start through junior days?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I mean, we know each other since we were about 12, 13 years old. Same way I know Andrey and all the other guys.

We traveled the same tournaments, we traveled, yeah, the same junior circuit in a way. He was always a good guy that I got along with.

Q. Your next match, Casper Ruud. Have you been following him? What do you expect from him? What do you have to be aware of?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think he's playing great tennis. The way he beat Cameron Norrie on a hard court is quite impressive, and I think when he's playing like that he can beat anybody.

Q. What do you expect from him?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think he's somebody that really does not miss much. He's somebody that tries to play aggressive with his forehand as well. Gotta take away his strength in a way and we'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Q. How are you feeling?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I feel good.

Q. 100%?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah.

Q. Do you think the benefit of being on the same Laver Cup team with him carries any weight?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think we got a lot closer. He's somebody that is quite quiet, I think, around the tour. He's an absolutely incredible nice guy. I think he's somebody that you can't hate, can't have a problem with him.

He's somebody that, yeah, he opened up a little bit to everybody at the Laver Cup, and I think since then everybody gets along with him.