AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 16, 2025

Alexander Zverev

Press Conference

A. ZVEREV/P. Martinez

6-1, 6-4, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Sascha, how much do you know about your next opponent, Jacob Fearnley?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I mean, I watched him play against Nick a few nights ago. I watched him play Novak in Wimbledon. That's about it.

But I know he's a young college player who's gone up the rankings extremely fast. That means he's playing great tennis. I'm looking forward to playing him for the first time. I have massive respect for guys that go that route, kind of choose the hard way to go to the professional circuit.

He did that, went through all the stages. He deserves to be in the third round of a major, and I'm looking forward to it.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. On Jake, when you have seen him, what do you make of his game? What is his danger likely to be?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think he's somebody that competes extremely well. Typical college actually. Very competitive, fighting for all the moments.

But yeah, again, I have massive respect for those guys who are maybe not No. 1 or 2 in the junior rankings, were maybe not the most talented or gifted, and they go through all the stages. They go through college, through the futures tour, the challengers tour. Now his on the big stage, in the third round of a Grand Slam, playing Centre Court at Wimbledon. Who knows which court we're going to be playing on here. I have massive respect for that and looking forward to playing him.

Q. First two rounds in a major, it's been pretty straightforward compared to what it could be. What are you happiest about so far?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I think pretty good level all around. I thought today from the baseline we both played quite well. It's what I told my team. It feels like a drill almost. First ball cross-court and then we play out the point more or less.

I thought it was pretty good level. Yeah, so far there's not much to complain about. I'm looking hopefully to still build in the next few rounds.

Q. Carlos was saying earlier that he likes playing during the day. Do you prefer to play at night and do you request that?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, I prefer the night. I prefer the night. Yeah, I always did here in Australia.