Economy

The two players here have played 2 tournaments this year. You guys okay?

Well, it's still better than going to get bogged down in the Golden Swing, you’ll say, and losing confidence for a good part of the season (follow my finger). And no, this time the context is completely different for Zverev compared to his huge disappointment at last year’s Australian Open. Here, he gave everything against Carlito, and he’s prioritizing his health because his body really bothered him last season. So I’m positive about the Zverev situation heading into the two American Masters 1000s. On the Moutet side, it’s a lot more shaken up. He split with his favorite coach, and there have been injuries. Yet, he’s not playing too badly. I think it’s simply because his average level is better, and he loves playing the big fish. The German has been warned, as he knows the beast, having played him twice last season, including once at home in Stuttgart, where it got a bit heated. On top of that, the atmosphere and the slowed-down night-time playing conditions here will surely push Mout’ to outdo himself. On the other hand, if Z plays like he did in Australia, with a desire to do a bit more damage with his forehand, he might avoid falling into the Moutet trap. Except Moutet is an excellent counterpuncher and passer. He’ll have to move forward at the right time and not mess it up like Z did against Diallo at the AO...