Zverev thanks Alcaraz tips for helping him beat Medvedev in Cincinnati

A round of golf with the world No 1 paid dividends for the German as he beat Medvedev for only the second time in their last 11 meetings

Zuma / Panoramic

Simon Cambers

August 18, 2023

Alexander Zverev was getting a bit fed up with seeing Daniil Medvedev across the other side of the net, having lost to him three times already this year.

But going into their clash in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati on Thursday, it seems that the German had a secret weapon at his disposal, some words of advice and a game-plan courtesy of the world No 1, Carlos Alcaraz.

Zverev had picked the brain of the newly-crowned Wimbledon champion when they played golf together in Toronto last week and speaking to the Tennis Channel after his 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win in round three, he said it paid dividends.

Alexander Zverev says Carlos Alcaraz gave him tips to beat Daniil Medvedev:

Zverev: “I played golf with Carlos Alcaraz last week in Toronto. He gave me a very good game plan against him actually.” 😂

(via @TennisChannel @PrakashAmritraj) pic.twitter.com/er3tma3X4T

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 17, 2023

“I played golf last week with Carlos Alcaraz in Toronto and he gave me a very good game-plan against him actually. I asked him a few questions and it was very helpful. At the end of the day I did what I had to do, I kind of fought it out. I’m happy to be sitting here as a winner.”

Zverev to meet Mannarino for semi-final spot

Thursday’s win for Zverev was only his second in their last 11 meetings and cuts his deficit in their head to head battles to 7-9.

More importantly, it put Zverev into the quarter-finals in Cincinnati. The German will take on Frenchman Adrian Mannarino on Friday for a place in the last four.