Alexander Zverev is adopting a more aggressive playing approach this year in his bid for a first Grand Slam. The German defeated American Brandon Nakashima in the third round at Indian Wells. He expressed optimism about the style's potential despite recent setbacks.
Alexander Zverev, the 28-year-old German with a powerful serve, has shifted to a riskier style of play to chase his elusive first major title. Previously, he often played conservatively in crucial moments at Grand Slams, giving opponents opportunities to capitalize. Now, he is committed to aggression, even if it means occasional losses during the adjustment.
After his 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in the third round at Indian Wells on Sunday, Zverev told reporters, “It’s exciting, but it will take time.” He added, “I’m still trying to win matches here, so sometimes I will go back to my old self. But I think in important moments like today in the tiebreak, I won the tiebreak myself. I won the tiebreak by playing aggressive tennis, and that’s something to look forward to and to be excited about.”
The new approach faltered in a loss to Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic at Acapulco late last month. However, Zverev, a seven-time Masters 1000 champion, showed resilience in a five-hour, 27-minute Australian Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz in January, though he fell short.
Zverev has yet to win the Indian Wells title but feels suited to the faster hard courts in the California desert. “I still think I can do well here,” he said. His next match is against either American Frances Tiafoe or Italy’s Flavio Cobolli.
This evolution comes as Zverev aims to break through at majors, building on his strong Masters record.
