Zverev, 21, is tremendously talented - there’s no questioning that.
I first came across him as a 16-year-old playing at the Traralgon ITF juniors event in 2014.
There he defeated last year’s Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung in the quarters of that event, before going on to take out the title.
It was immediately obvious - the kid had talent. Bucket loads of it. But his biggest weakness back then was his temperament.
Like a host of young tennis stars before him, Zverev would often let his emotions get the better of him.
However, in stark contrast to Aussie Nick Krygios - who enjoyed a similar rise from juniors almost straight to the ATP tour - the German has matured in line with his rapid progression in the sport.
I watched the man known as ‘Sasha’ closely in his opening round match at the Australian Open against Aljaz Bedene, ranked 67 in the world.
After being down a break in the first set, the German won eight consecutive games on his way to a straight sets win over the Slovenian, who was ranked as high as 43 last year.
It's clear to even casual observers that Zverev’s game has ratcheted up to another level, even in the early stages of 2019.
This is fresh off an incredible end to last year - defeating Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer en route to claiming the 2018 ATP Finals crown in London.
Reaping the results almost immediately after linking up with tennis legend Ivan Lendl, a player known for his self-discipline and emotional control, for a coaching stint.
"I always enjoy competing, playing the sport that I love,” Zverev said at the Australian Open.
“There's always a lot of pressure to it, always the question of: 'When are you going to win a grand slam?’
“I came to London (for the ATP Finals) saying: ‘Look, it's the last tournament of the year, we're all tired, you want to go on holidays. I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm playing the best players in the world, I'm going to see how it goes.'
"At the end of the week, I won the tournament.
“I kind of learned out of that. I kind of figured out I have to have the same mentality when I play at slams.”
And that realisation should hold Zverev in good stead, with the 21-year-old on a decent side of the draw at the Australian Open.
He is likely to face Milos Raonic in the fourth round, ahead of a possible semi-final showdown with Djokovic.
If Alexander, the young brother of Misha Zverev, doesn’t triumph at Melbourne Park - his first grand slam singles title is still likely to come in 2019 at one of the other three majors.
It’s only a matter of time now.
