Zverev’s stinging Alcaraz remarks spark pressure earlier than Madrid check

“I really want to play that match. We played a few times, head to head he is up,” he instructed the ATP. “I really want to show my great level here in front of my home crowd. I have great memories from last year in the final but obviously I have to be really focused in that match.

“I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive one with good serves. I have to show all my skills.” And Alcaraz will hope {that a} observe session with Zverev may work in his favour once they meet on the match court docket.

He added: “When we practised, it helped me a lot in the tactical game, what I had to do. Obviously I was focused on myself all the time, trying to hit the ball really clear and with a lot of power. That was the goal at the beginning of the match, trying to play aggressive all the time.”