Teenage prodigy Alexander Zverev fired a statement of intent on the Gerry Weber Stadium turf and declared he is better prepared to compete at a Grand Slam than ever before.

The world No.38 has begun only his second grass court season and illustrated on Centre Court in Halle why he is one of the leading lights of the next generation.

Emerging last season, Zverev’s pure talent was undeniable, but fast forward 12 months and his grit and astonishing athleticism are clear to see.

“I mean Viktor is a very good grass court player. He played very well last year on the grass, making the final in Stuttgart and the semis at Queen’s. So, he knows how to play on this surface,” said the assured German, who had just swept aside world No.24 Viktor Troicki 6-4, 6-4.

“I feel good, I played well, I didn’t make a lot of mistakes and served quite well and got my return going, which is probably the most important thing on the grass. I’m just happy that I could beat somebody like Viktor in straight sets.”

Straight sets yes, but it was the manner. Zverev surrendered a 3-1 first set lead but stuck to his guns, lasering his serve with supreme variety. Facing break points, he still targeted the lines.

Keeping such a shot-maker as seventh seed Troicki so subdued was testament to Zverev’s new found steel, which he has combined effectively with his endless endeavour to improve his athleticism.

“It’s different now. Last year (at Wimbledon) was my first Grand Slam in the main draw. I think I’m now much more prepared to play the big matches. Last season, I’d play one five-setter and would then be exhausted for three days,” admitted the world No.38. “That’s why I think I’m more prepared to compete at the Grand Slams now. I am already looking forward to first the upcoming matches here in Halle, and then also to Wimbledon.”

The gregarious Marcos Baghdatis has set his sights on a second week journey at Wimbledon in July, insisting he still possesses a threat for the title at SW19.

The 30-year-old gained revenge over Tomas Berdych for his 2007 Halle final defeat and chalked up a first victory over the fourth seed since 2010.

The amiable Cypriot clattered down 10 aces and attacked Berdych’s second serve (winning 21 out of a possible 31 duels) to prevail 7-6(3), 7-6(4).

“I played a smart match, served well on the important points and was very, very solid,” said Baghdatis, who is determined to build a memorable 2016 campaign.

“I set a goal of the end of the season, to be back in the top 30, but at the same time my wife and I welcomed a new child in December, so I wanted to spend time with them and not play too much lately. I arrived at the French Open without a lot of matches but managed to play really good, losing that match (five-set thriller) against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga,” explained the world No.42, having lost on grass in the first round at Stuttgart against Jan-Lennard Struff.

“So today was very important to get the win, I don’t know how I did it. I now have an extra match, I need to get my legs tired on the match court instead of the practice court, it’s a completely different thing, so that’s why I’m very, very happy with today,” added Baghdatis who kissed the turf following his eye-catching win “I love the grass! No, if I have a big win I celebrate like that.”