Zverev brothers face each other in 1st match: Expectations?
After numerous failed attempts, the Zverev brothers: Mischa Zverev and Alexander Zverev will meet for the first time in an ATP match after winning their 1st matches in the Citi Open.
While they’ve faced each other in qualifying tournaments in 2012 and 2014 (both of which were won by Zverev senior), this will be the first time the pair will meet in a proper match on the ATP World Tour.
Background
Alexander Zverev is ranked 3rd in the world, while Mischa is ranked 43 in the world. Sascha is the defending champion this week. When asked about the special encounter, he joked, “I don’t know him much because it’s the first time we’re playing”
“It’s definitely not just another match, I think, for both of us… It’s going to be very, very interesting for our family. It’s a special day because not a lot of families can say that two brothers played against each other on such a high level… Obviously, we both want to win. We won’t give each other anything.”
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Analysis
It’ll be interesting to see if this actually pans out. While we’re used to the Williams sisters playing each other on countless occasions, seeing the same thing in the men’s circuit will definitely be jarring to say the least, not only for spectators and pundits but also for the brothers themselves.
Interestingly, right after they play their singles matches against each other, the brothers will then go off to the second court to finish off their match from the previous day. It’ll remain to be seen if the result of the singles match makes any difference in how the results of the doubles match pans out.
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Regardless, we’re expecting a cracker of a match, as no one knows each other’s game as well as the Zverev brothers. While we’re on the topic of family, who do you think their parents will be rooting for?