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Alexander Zverev’s won as many titles as Roger Federer in 2017 but still wants more

Alexander Zverev: Getty Images
Alexander Zverev: Getty Images

No player on the men’s tour has claimed more titles this year than Alexander Zverev but as he seeks to win his sixth tournament of 2017 in Cincinnati this week the 20-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.

“The season doesn’t stop now,” said Zverev, who reached a career-high position of No7 in the world rankings with his victory over Roger Federer in the final in Montreal on Sunday. “It’s only August. There’s still a lot more tennis ahead of us and we’ll see where I can be at the end of the season.”

Zverev, who faces the American teenager Frances Tiafoe in his first match in Cincinnati today, has emerged this summer as the most exciting player of his generation. The 6ft 6in German became the youngest man for nine years to break into the world’s top 10 when he beat Novak Djokovic in the final of the Rome Masters in May.

Since Wimbledon, where he reached the fourth round, he has won tournaments in Washington and Montreal.

With Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka sidelined as a result of injuries and Andy Murray a continuing fitness doubt because of a hip problem, Zverev is now among the favourites to win the US Open, which starts in New York in 12 days’ time.

A charismatic character who exudes self-confidence without sounding arrogant, Zverev said he had not been surprised by his success. “I know how much I’ve done in the off season,” said Zverev, who with five titles has as many as Federer this year. “I know how much work I’ve put in with my team.”

He added: “I knew that I could beat the best players in the world and I’ve shown that over several weeks this year. I’m happy where I am.”

Although he feels comfortable in the top 10, Zverev does not see himself on the same level as the likes of Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.

“I don’t think I’m part of the ‘Big Four’ because they’ve won too much,” he said. “Hopefully, I can win as much as they did in their careers one day.”

The only significant question mark over Zverev has been his powers of endurance. He has never gone beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam event. Cramp scuppered his chances after he led Nadal by two sets to one at this year’s Australian Open and he let slip a similar lead against Milos Raonic at Wimbledon last month.

However, Zverev’s fitness trainer, Jez Green, a former member of Murray’s entourage, has been working hard on building the German’s strength.

“I’ve put on about 10 kilos of muscles over the last three years,” Zverev said. “It gives me a chance to beat the best players in the world.”

Zverev, like his older brother Mischa, is coached by their father, Alexander senior, but he recently added Juan Carlos Ferrero to his entourage.

The Spaniard, a former world No1, has his own coaching academy near Alicante. Zverev added: “He knows how to play the big matches, so that helps a lot.”

Zverev is well on his way to qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals in November at the O2 Arena, which brings together the top eight players of the year.

Only Nadal and Federer have won more ranking points in 2017.