World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in action in World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive

The German considered by many to be on the rise to the No. 1 ranking will showcase his incredible talents at the World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive on Monday night.

German young gun Alexander Zverev has often been referred to as the future of men’s tennis.

The 21-year old, who will showcase his talents at the World Tennis Challenge at Memorial Drive tonight, is ranked No. 4 in the world and the biggest names in the game believe he has the ingredients to climb to the top.

This was no more evident than the ATP finals in London in November when he conquered Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in straight sets to secure his 10th and most significant title.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a shot against Venus Williams of United States in their singles match during the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand last week. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Alexander Zverev against Roger Federer during the Hopman Cup in Perth last week. Picture: AAP Image/Tony McDonough

Coming off a productive Hopman Cup in Perth, his battle in Adelaide against Croatia’s world No. 12 and another 21-year old, Borna Coric, will be another valuable workout in his preparations for a tilt at the Australian Open crown.

“Borna has been in great form lately and I’m looking forward to taking to the court against him in Adelaide,” Zverev said.

Zverev will enter the Open with much more confidence that last year, despite losing to Roger Federer in the final of the Hopman Cup. He enjoyed a strong campaign in Perth, beating Lucas Pouille, David Ferrer and Matthew Ebden during the group stage.

Federer got the better of Zverev 6-4 6-2 in a high-quality final on Saturday, but it was in the deciding mixed doubles where he suffered the biggest heartbreak, hitting the ball into the net on championship point. It was the second straight year Germany had lost to Switzerland in the final, but Zverev is in much better form now.

Last year, he won only one singles match at the mixed teams tournament before bombing out in the third round of the Australian Open.

“Compared to last year this was way better,” Zverev said. “I feel definitely I have some room to improve and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

Zverev is equal third favourite alongside Rafael Nadal to win the Open. Djokovic is the hot favourite, with Federer on the second line of betting.

Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Victoria Azaranka, bidding to climb back up the rankings after having a baby, will also be in action tonight when she takes on Eugenie Bouchard, who is fresh from winning the Auckland Open women’s doubles. The pair will also do battle again tomorrow night.

Azaranka is a two-times Australian Open champion and wants to be just the fourth Grand Slam winner after becoming a mother.

The Belarus star’s ranking has slipped to 51 after missing chunks of the past two seasons, but that should improve significantly. She has practised at Memorial Drive for the past two days after losing a three-set contest to Venus Williams in the opening round of the Auckland Open.