Tennis: Zverev's Search For Consistency To Realise Potential

Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency

Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jan, 2018 ) :Young German star Alexander Zverev needed a hard-fought three sets to get through his opening encounter at the Australian Open on Tuesday and spoke of his search for greater consistency.

The world No.4 spent 2hr 22min on Rod Laver Arena before claiming a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 win over 73rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano. Zverev, at the vanguard of the "NextGen" brigade, will face fellow German Peter Gojowczyk in the second round.

While the 20-year-old won five titles and was one of just four players to beat Roger Federer last year, he has yet to get beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam. "I think last year I was pretty consistent, apart from the end of the year," Zverev said.

"I think my game is getting more consistent with age as well. I think that's also something that is a factor of maturity. "So I'm just trying to get better every single day, and that's what I'm here for.

" Zverev said he was expecting a tough scrap against Fabbiano.

"That's what he does. That's what he's known for on tour, to be competitive, to fight for every single point, play well from the baseline," he said. "He's like a Diego Schwartzman-type of player.

So they are always not easy to beat, especially in first rounds. "I was a bit surprised with his serve and how well he was serving. But apart from that, I was looking forward to a tough match." Zverev served up 17 aces among his 47 winners and broke Fabbiano's serve five times, while saving 12 break points.

He said of his next opponent: "He's (Gojowczyk) someone who plays really well on the hard courts. "I think he played well in Auckland, as well. Obviously, a player that's very well informed." Zverev was ousted in the third round in Melbourne in 2017 and could face a potential third-round clash against his older brother Mischa if he gets past Gojowczyk.