Zverev holds firm

The pressure is immense on the German, who is the HUGE favorite, but for now he’s delivering.

I don’t know if “assurer” is the right word, but for now he’s living up to his status and not wasting too much energy for nothing! He’s playing his matches seriously even if he’s had a few small lapses and tense moments. The start of his match against Jodar or De Jong for example, he takes a while to get into it and then he rolls. A good reaction, but I can’t help thinking that against stronger/more relentless players over the long run he could already have scared himself. A guy like Mensik (with two days’ rest) is supposed to be able to hold him over several sets and at least offer a battle that won’t end after the first set.

The Czech was once again magnificent against Fonseca, he managed his energy well and knew how to clutch in the third set. What he’s doing in this tournament on serve, return, volley, and mentally as well is perfect. The only time he played like this was when he went to get his title in Miami; the level is so high and he has so many weapons at his disposal that it makes him a top player in the making. With the two days of rest and the fact that Zverev isn’t a ruthless killer, I feel like Mensik has a real shot here.

They played each other in Madrid this season and the Czech took a set; I do think he’s capable of competing in quite a few areas. He had a slight scare with his foot in his last match, that’s kind of the only thing that’s stopping me from going big on him...