# Alexander Zverev backs unranked Croatian Matej Dodig to reach top of ATP

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/alexander-zverev-backs-unranked-croatian-matej-dodig-to-reach-top-of-atp/
- Published: 2026-09-20T09:19:16+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T17:46:10+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Alexander Zverev, Croatia Davis Cup team, Daniel Altmaier, Davis Cup, Germany Davis Cup team, Italy Davis Cup team

## Key points

- Alexander Zverev beat unranked Matej Dodig 6-4, 7-6(3) in Davis Cup action, giving Germany the initial lead against Croatia.
- Zverev praised the 21-year-old Croatian's play, saying he expects to see Dodig at the top of the game very soon.
- Dodig outhit Zverev in winners, 28 to 22, with 24 coming from his forehand, and called it maybe the best match of his life.

## Article

Alexander Zverev Extends Winning Streak but Hails Rising Croatian Talent as Future Star

Alexander Zverev maintained his formidable form with an eighth consecutive victory, overcoming Matej Dodig 6-4, 7-6(3) in Davis Cup action to give Germany the initial lead against Croatia on home soil. Yet it was Dodig, ranked outside the top 150 and yet to debut in a Grand Slam, who left a lasting impression on the German star.

Despite the straight-sets win, Zverev openly praised the 21-year-old Croatian's performance, declaring, “I had an extremely difficult match. I thought I played well but [Dodig] played amazing tennis today. I think we’re going to see him at the top of the game very, very soon.” He continued, “The power that he has, the talent that he has is incredible. I didn’t expect it. Credit to him. He played a fantastic tennis match.”

Dodig’s stats underscore his threat: he struck more winners than Zverev, landing 28 points compared to the German’s 22, with an overwhelming 24 from his forehand alone. The young Croatian described the encounter as “Maybe the best match of my life,” acknowledging the nerves and physical toll of facing a high-calibre opponent. “I was putting everything I could in. Playing aggressive on my serve. At the end I got a little bit nervous and started to cramp a bit, but I think it’s normal – first match like this against such a big player… I really enjoyed every second of it,” Dodig reflected post-match.

The contest remains poised as Dodig prepares to face Daniel Altmaier, who leveled the tie for Germany after a loss to Dino Prizmic. Zverev will then square off against Prizmic, notable for his earlier upset of Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open, raising the stakes for the German’s winning streak.

Meanwhile, the Davis Cup Finals lineup is beginning to take shape with South Korea qualifying for the first time and host Italy confirmed. Scheduled from November 24th to 29th in Bologna, Italy, the event sees the reigning champions Italy fielding talents like Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, and Jannik Sinner.

Zverev’s acknowledgment of Dodig’s potential signals the emergence of a new contender in men’s tennis, one who could soon disrupt the established hierarchy. “I think we’re going to see him at the top of the game very, very soon,” Zverev’s words resonate as both a warning and a compliment to Croatia’s rising star.