The fourth surface? Alexander Zverev engages in 'Battle of the Surfaces' contest against ice tennis superstar

Tennis has three main surfaces: hardcourt, grass and clay. Since carpet has been scrapped, the door has since been opened for a new surface to come in to challenge and push the players. Out of all the options, ice may be nearer to the bottom of the list. That did not stop the Canadians to find a way of playing on it with Alexander Zverev seeing it up close while rallying with ice tennis talent Rob Worling.

With half the court ice and the other hardcourt, Zverev was obviously in familiar territory away from the ice. Now back in North America as he looks to battle for the Canadian Open title, he first stopped off to compete on a very unique mixed-surface court.

Most tennis fans are accustomed to the Battle of the Surfaces, most famously played between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with a half-grass half-clay court. It was the same concept, but also completely different with one of the competitors wearing ice skates.

The video shows a light-hearted rally between the pair, Worling showing his immense skill to hit the ball back to the other side of the court with good technique and expert balance to not fall over while also trying to position himself in the right spot to return.

Zverev had no issue in getting the ball back each time, sensing his opportunity as he forced Worling to charge into the net.

He was not able to change the direction quick enough as the Roland Garros champion had an open court to hit the ball down. Worling could not get there, spinning off on the ice on his knees while Zverev celebrated with a smile.

Zverev enjoyed his time away from the ferocious competition of the ATP Tour, but will soon be in the midst of another title battle. The 2017 Canadian Open champion will be wanting to add to his tally after falling short at the semi-finals last year, a Masters 1000 trend he is too used to by now.

Six of his last nine events at this level has seen him lose at the last-four stage. However, they did not come in the last two tournaments in Madrid or Rome. He was battered in the Madrid Open final against World No.1 Jannik Sinner before suffering a surprising defeat to Luciano Darderi in the Italian capital.

He would go on to win the Roland Garros title, lifting a huge burden from his shoulders as he could finally call himself a Grand Slam champion. He backed it up by reaching the final of Wimbledon, winning the first set before Sinner came back to haunt him once more.

The five-time major champion has been a thorn in the side of Zverev over the past few years, especially in 2026 when he has lost five times to him.

This is why the Canadian Open is so key. Sinner is not making the trip, and that goes for Carlos Alcaraz too. Zverev is the number one seed and huge favourite for glory. He is under pressure to defend a number of points with two Masters 1000 semi-finals on the line. After his superb form this year, he will be confident of even adding to his tally with not much on the line at the US Open.

He is likely to be the number two seed for the event at Flushing Meadows, courtesy of Alcaraz skipping the Cincinnati Open and losing 1000 points in the process. For Zverev, all attention is on what is happening in Montreal with a big tournament on the horizon. He is set to start his campaign against Tallon Griekspoor, not the easiest of opening tests but one he will be confident in winning as his North American hardcourt swing commences.