Alexander Zverev(8 ATP) and Nick Kyrgios(24 ATP) will be making some of the headlines of the round of 16 in Montreal at Rogers Cup. Widely regarded as the leaders of the next generation of ATP tennis stars, these two are trying to establish themselves as ATP top players. While Zverev did some great things this season winning four ATP titles to date, on the other side, Nick Kyrgios has been struggling with injuries, lack of form and partially motivation.
Regarding their rivalry, the first pillars were set earlier this season in Indian Wells and Miami. NIck Kyrgios won both meetings as he went through a flourishing moment at the time. Several months later, his ranking plunged while Zverev has entered the top 10.
Zverev and Kyrgios share draw with Rafael Nadal
The 20-year-old German and the 22-year-old Aussie were given the second the second quarter of the draw as a playing ground. The winner of this particular encounter will have a difficult task ahead. Sam Querrey or Kevin Anderson will emerge into the other slot in the last eight stages. And of course, Rafael Nadal is looming ahead for the semis as the Spaniard is about to close the gap between him and the current world No.
1 Andy Murray.
Alexander Zverev is trying to keep up the momentum. Last week, he capped the title at City Open in Washington D.C. defeating Kevin Anderson in a straight sets final. The player from South Africa may take some revenge as he may face Zverev in the next round of Rogers Cup. On the other side, Nick Kyrgios shows signs of improvements after struggling with injuries lately. The previous three ATP events he went for( Queen's, Wimbledon and City Open) saw him being forced to withdraw in the inaugural round. And that had a huge impact on his ranking as he's currently out of the top 20.
Zverev is a favorite for the US Open while Kyrgios will remain a dangerous low-ranked player
Entering the US Open Series with Djokovic and Wawrinka out for the rest of the year and Murray still uncertain, the younger generation has a chance to fill up the blanks.
Zverev seems to have a superior work ethic compared to Nick Kyrgios. Earlier this year, when Kyrgios went on defeating Zverev twice in a row, the young Aussie displayed some playfulness approach of the match toying with his opponent. But Zverev has been on a constant progressive trend lately and this time the German seems favorite to get past Kyrgios.
Below you can watch a short highlight of their encounter from earlier this year in Miami. There are some worth-watching moments inside that video.