Zverev counts on home cooking in Monaco

Alexander Zverev hopes a week of home cooking and the influence of visiting family will help him towards  success as he plays his home event starting Monday at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The German top seed who heads the field in the sun-soaked principality ahead of Carlos Alcaraz and Miami finalist Novak Djokovic has had a bad run recently.

He rushed straight from his Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner to a poor run on South American clay in Buenos Aires and Rio before more of the same in Acapulco and a first-round defeat at Indian Wells.

He recovered form slightly in the Miami fourth round but is now determined to reverse course as the European clay kicks off.  

“I like staying home, we spend so little time there,” the ATP No.2 said. ” I like my homes and I want to stay there.

“When you’re at home it’s more refreshing and relaxed… sleeping in your own bed, having home-cooked meals. It’s quite nice – my whole family is here (for a visit).

“Having familiarity can be very nice.”

But beyond the home comforts of the tax-free millionaire playground, Zverev is most focused on lifting his game.

“The hope is to start winning matches again, and the main focus of Roland Garros – that’s for sure.

“It’s no secret I’ve struggled the last few weeks. I went straight from the Melbourne final to South America without a break.

“It’s been tough for me and I hope to turn it around. I don;t know if it will be this week, but i will do all I can on the clay.

“Confidence can come from winning some matches. Change can come quickly and I hope to get back to winning ways.”