Alexander Zverev missed the chance to defend his title at the tennis tournament in Hamburg. Shortly before the start of the Olympic Games, he fought against a great opponent.
Alexander Zverev fought against a strong opponent – and with his body. In the end, the German tennis star had to admit defeat in the final of his home tournament in Hamburg despite an impressive display of willpower. The Olympic champion and defending champion lost in a thriller lasting 3 hours and 33 minutes to the up-and-coming Frenchman Arthur Fils with 3:6, 6:3, 6:7 (1:7).
It was the longest final since the introduction of the best-of-three format – in which the winner has to win two sets – and one of the best finals of recent years. After the heated duel, it took a while for the tension to subside, especially for Zverev, but then he sprayed his conqueror with champagne in a conciliatory manner at the awards ceremony.
Despite the defeat, the fourth-ranked player in the world rankings managed to complete his dress rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Paris next week. However, he failed to become the first German since Gottfried von Cramm in 1949 to win the traditional tournament twice in a row.
“It was an incredible week that I will never forget, even if I didn’t manage to defend my title,” said Zverev. And looking at the further goals for himself and his team, he said: “We want to be number one at the end of the year.” Addressing his opponent, he said: “You deserve the win. Enjoy the moment.”
Fight against body and opponent
For more than three and a half hours, the world number four not only had to fight against the 20-year-old Fils, but also with physical problems. His injured left knee, which had long put Zverev’s start to the tournament in doubt, seemed to be the less of a hindrance.
“Because I played with low blood sugar, I felt dizzy in the first set because we played in the sun at 31 degrees. That made me feel sick,” explained Zverev, who is diabetic.
The 10,000 spectators suffered with their local hero. With the score at 1:4 and 40:40 in the first set, Zverev asked for medical help. “My stomach is pulling me down,” he told the helpers. He was given electrolytes. “In the middle of the second set, it was okay,” he said.
His opponent also played a significant role in preventing Zverev from getting into the game. A year ago, he clearly beat Fils in two sets in the semifinals in Hamburg. Before the final this year, however, Zverev had already spoken highly of the world number 28. “He is one of the most talented players we have on the tour. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world,” said Zverev.
World-class tennis in the third set
Despite Fils’ powerful game and the problems, the Hamburg native had enough opportunities. He only used one of 22 break chances, which ultimately led to a 6:3 win in the second set. In the deciding set, both players offered world-class clay tennis, but then under a closed roof due to a storm. When it went to the tiebreak, Fils was unstoppable and won his first title at an ATP500 tournament and his second overall.
Alexander Zverev wants to be the flag bearer
Before the Olympics start on Friday, Zverev is hoping for success in a very different competition. He is one of the three candidates standing for election as the male flag bearer at the opening ceremony in Paris. His competitors are basketball world champion Dennis Schröder and Olympic shooting champion Christian Reitz.
In any case, he will receive support from his tennis colleagues Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz. The currently best German doubles team successfully defended its title in Hamburg. The duo from Coburg and Frankfurt/Main defeated the French Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7:6 (10:8). “It certainly gives a lot of self-confidence, a good atmosphere and is definitely great preparation,” said Pütz.
He and his doubles partner, like Zverev, are travelling to Paris on Tuesday. They will also be joined by Jan-Lennard Struff, Dominik Koepfer and Maximilian Marterer. These six form the German men’s tennis flat share in the Olympic Village. “It will be a good time, I think,” said Krawietz.
Source: Stern
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