By Erik Gudris | Thursday, July 17, 2014
German teenager Alexander Zverev is having a breakthrough week in his hometown event at Hamburg. Learn more about this rising ATP player.
Photo Credit: bet-at-home Open
After having early success in the junior ranks, 17-year-old Alexander Zverev is wasting no time climbing the ATP ladder. His breakthrough week in Hamburg makes him a player to watch.
ATP: Zverev Becomes Youngest ATP Quarterfinalist Since 2003
1. Vital Statistics: Zverev was born on April 20, 1997 in Hamburg, Germany. He still resides in Hamburg although he also spends time in Florida.
2. Early Days: Zverev's father is a former professional tennis player from Russia. His family moved to Germany in 1991. His older brother, Mischa Zverev, is also currently on the ATP Tour. Alexander started playing at age five.
3. Junior Glory: Earning the nickname "Sascha", the young German soon earned big results in junior events. In 2013, he reached the French Open boys final. In 2014, Zverev won the Australian Open boys title. He also held the No. 1 junior ranking.
4. Up to the Challenge: Zverev won his first Challenger title a few weeks ago at the Sparkassen Open in Braunschweig. He became the youngest player to win a title on the challenger level since Bernard Tomic back in 2009.
5. Hometown Hero: Given a wildcard into the Hamburg Open, Zverev made the most of the opportunity. He claimed his first ATP main draw win over Robin Haase. Then, he beat Russian Mikhail Youzhny to earn his first career top 20 victory. With a straight sets win over Santiago Giraldo, Zverev made his first career ATP quarterfinal.
6. Young History: With his win over Giraldo, Zverev joins a short yet impressive list. Zverev is the youngest ATP quarterfinalist since 2003 when Rafael Nadal reached the Bastad quarters that year. Only three other active players reached the last eight of an ATP event earlier than Zverev - Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer and Nadal.
7. In His Own Words: Watch this interview with Zverev after his recent win.
8. Idol Worship: Growing up, Zverev admired Roger Federer
9. Favorite Things: When not playing tennis, Zverev enjoys golf and basketball. His favorite shot is his forehand.
10. Player Praise: Christopher Kas, a German tennis player, posted this message on Twitter praising the young Zverev.