Berdych Dishes High Praise to Zverev after Davis Cup Encounter

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Berdych Dishes High Praise to Zverev after Davis Cup Encounter

After battling through a five-set victory over Alexander Zverev in Hannover on Friday, Tomas Berdych throws out some high praise for the 18-year-old German.

More: Czechs, Croats Exert Davis Cup Doubles Strength

“It’s definitely a bright future for him,” said Berdych after defeating Zverev 7-6(6), 1-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. “Speaking of him being injury free and on the right way, which he definitely is, I think he will be a future No. 1. He has all the tools. You can see how he is improving week by week. Now let’s see how his journey is going to go. “

Zverev’s captain also couldn’t help but gush about the performance of Zverev, despite the heartbreaking loss.

“That was one of the best matches I have ever seen from an 18 year old,” said Michael Kohlmann. “In his first match at home against a Top 10 guy, what a task. It’s a tough one but in the end I think he will see the positives.” He added: “Sascha doesn’t like to lose, that is why he is a winner.”

“The young one was playing the second and third set—unbelievable tennis,” chimed in Czech captain Jaroslav Navratil. “Tomas fought until the end and he won the match.”

Zverev may not get another look at a live rubber this weekend, unfortunately. Philipp Kohlschreiber and Philipp Petzschner fell to Berdych and Radek Stepanek to give the Czech’s a 2-1 lead in the tie.

Berdych, who clinched his 50th Davis Cup win with his victory, can clinch the tie with a win over Kohlschreiber in Sunday’s first reverse singles battle.

If Kohlschreiber can find a way to spring the upset, Zverev is slated to face Lukas Rosol in the fifth rubber.

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