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ATP World Tour: Has Alexander Zverev hit the proverbial wall?

By Maxwell Ogden

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 24: Alexander Zverev of Team Europe plays a backhand during his mens singles match against Sam Querrey of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 24: Alexander Zverev of Team Europe plays a backhand during his mens singles match against Sam Querrey of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) /
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Alexander Zverev was the hottest player on the ATP World Tour during the first half of the summer. He’s since hit a proverbial wall.

Alexander Zverev is widely regarded as the future face of the ATP World Tour. At just 20 years of age, the German star is already one of the Top 5 players in the world—and one of the winningest players on the ATP scene in 2017.

Unfortunately, in the midst of his breakout season, Zverev has hit a proverbial wall that’s preventing him from capitalizing on a golden opportunity.

Zverev as made an almost unprecedented rise to No. 4 on the ATP World Tour. Despite turning 20 years of age less than six months ago, he’s already secured his place as one of the top 5 active players in the world.

Following yet another relatively early exit, however, it’s fair to question if he’s going to be able to recover in time for the ATP World Tour Finals.

A loss in the quarterfinals of any event is nothing to scoff at, but a loss to the No. 40 ranked player in the world is slightly more concerning.

It’s important to note that Dzumhur, 25, is coming off of his first career ATP title at the St. Petersburg Open. Zverev, however, has been inching closer and closer to the ranks of the world’s elite throughout the 2017 season.

Since winning back-to-back titles at the Citi Open and Rogers Cup, however, early exits have been far too prevalent for Zverev.

In fact, in the three tournaments he’s played since winning the Rogers Cup—not including the Laver Cup—Zverev is 2-3 in five matches.

Zverev’s lone victories during that time were over Steve Darcis and Darian King—neither of whom are ranked in the Top 75. Thus, as the ATP World Tour Finals approach, Zverev appears to be losing every ounce of the momentum he once possessed.

For the first time in his ATP career, Zverev is facing the pressure of being a top 5 player—and the turning point of either cementing his status or crumbling beneath the weight of expectations.

Must Read: Recapping the Summer of Sloane Stephens

Chances are, Alexander Zverev will bounce back soon and put this rough patch behind him in the immediate future.

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