Gabriel Diallo prepares for the biggest match of his career when he faces Alexander Zverev at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Canadian has never practiced with or played against Zverev, the world No. 3 and two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion. Still, Diallo says this opportunity is exactly why he chose a professional tennis career.
“I’m very grateful to be in this position to play on a Slam, one of the biggest courts against one of the best players in the world, so it’s all a bonus,” Diallo told ATPTour.com.
“We are training hard and we are working hard to position ourselves to play in those types of matches. We are starting to play tennis, to play those types of matches. So I am very excited and looking forward to playing.”
Zverev comes into the match as favorite to win after reaching the final of the Australian Open last year and consistently remaining among the game’s top players.
He has failed to reach the fourth round just once in Melbourne since 2019, and Diallo knows full well what he is up against.
“He’s very consistent. First of all, just from the back end and performance-wise, he’s been in the Top 10 for I don’t know how many years,” Diallo said.
“And then, obviously in terms of his game, he has a great serve, a great backhand and a solid forehand,” he added.
“So I’m going to have to get creative. I’m going to have to take it to him if I want to give myself some chances to win,” he said, adding: “At the end of the day I think for me it’s another competition, it’s another learning experience.”
