Not many tennis players can boast a winning head-to-head record against the great Roger Federer — but teenager Alexander Zverev can do just that.
The 19-year-old German prodigy beat his rather more illustrious Swiss counterpart 7-6 6-7 7-6 in Wednesday’s Hopman Cup match to take an overall 2-1 career lead.
Federer beat Dan Evans in straight sets on his return from a six-month injury layoff Monday as Switzerland overcame Great Britain 3-0.
He was to have no such luck against Zverev, however, as defeat saw Germany take a 1-0 lead over Switzerland Wednesday.
“To beat Roger, you really have to play an unbelievable match, from the first point to the last. I thought we both played really well,” Zverev said courtside after his win.
“I always play unbelievably against him. It’s always nerve-racking to play against him. I always play in front of a big crowd which helps me a lot as well.”
Zverev’s previous win against the 17-time grand slam champion came in the semifinals at Halle last year, while Federer had the upper hand at the Rome Masters.
It was also a day to remember for an emotional mascot who couldn’t hold back her tears after meeting Federer.
Hopman Cup: Roger Federer shocked by German teen Alexander Zverev