Shanghai Masters 2018: 5 players to watch out for

#2 Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev has been touted as the next big thing in the tennis circuit like Dominic Thiem, but the German hasn’t lived up to his billing. Many think that the German may need some more time to develop the temperament one needs to excel in modern tennis, especially in knockout rounds, where the German tends to get a bit nervous. Zverev also tends to get a bit erratic during pressure situations.

The number 5 seed has stated that playing more such events will help him to prepare for Grand Slam events. The 21-year-old won the Madrid Masters in May by beating Dominic Thiem in the final and was a runner-up at the Miami Masters and the Rome Masters in March and May. He also won the Bavarian International Tennis Championship in April. His precise baseline game has, at times, outfoxed his opponents.

He also won the Washington Open in July by beating Australia’s Alex De Minaur in the final. His rasping serves can outclass his rivals, while he has this ability to surprise his opponents with his quick serves. Zverev’s backhand strokes are considered to be his main strength and it is an area where the German can be a big threat to his rivals.