Alexander Zverev has decided to change his schedule compared to previous years. After the 2025 Australian Open in which he hopes to finally win the first Grand Slam title of his career the German champion will not play on hard courts like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
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The current world number 2 will participate in tournaments on red clay in South America, a choice that has surprised both fans and insiders. Sascha's style adapts very well to all surfaces, but it would have been more logical to play on faster courts to avoid such a long trip before the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami.
The German player was certainly convinced by tournament organizers in South America through a hefty fee, especially after the latter had to cash in on Carlitos Alcaraz's forfeit this year.
Unlike in years past, the 21-year-old from Murcia preferred to play the prestigious ATP 500 in Rotterdam and Doha before defending his title in Indian Wells in March.
Sascha explains his choice
In the press conference after his third-round match at the 2025 AO, Zverev was asked to explain why he signed up for the tournaments in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro next month.
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"The truth is that I don't like the conditions in Rotterdam at all, I've never felt good there during my career," Sascha replied with huge sincerity. "If we add to this the fact that last year I took a month off at that time of the season and that break had damaged me physically and technically, the ideal choice was the tournaments in South America. I can't wait to see how these events are organized and to enjoy the support of the fans," he added.
For the moment, Sascha is focused only on the first Grand Slam tournament of the new season.
The German ace reached the round of 16 without losing a single set and will face French Ugo Humbert on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.
