The last impression is a lasting one. Nevertheless, Alexander Zverev would be well advised to switch to enjoyment after a few days of frustration.
Until then, the sky striker in 2017, who is already number three in the world at the age of 2017, may still be a bit annoyed about the missed opportunity of London.
Participation in the ATP final or even the title – it would have been a dream year for Zverev. No question about it. But a juicy cake also tastes delicious without whipped cream when the view into the future appears pinkish red.
How the Hamburg player dealt with the decisive first-round defeat against Jack Sock, extremely self-critical, highly analytical and yet binding, is already raising anticipation for the new season.
Zverev is clearly matured, new experiences seem to absorb the two-time master’s winner like a dry sponge. And the progress outside the court is almost the same as on the court.
Zverev, who has a tendency to give impertinent answers at times, has opened up noticeably in recent weeks. He wants people to share in his successes. And this is only possible if you get to know the people behind the cool professional.
In the meantime, even his energetic Argentinean manager Patricio Apey seems to have grasped that the German market is also an important component of the Zverev brand.
So everything is heading in the right direction at “Sascha”, whose team headed by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and fitness guru Jaz Green is well positioned for the future. A future in which many more icing on the cake awaits.