Olympia - I want to win Paris
The annoyance over the lost flag-bearer election is over for Alexander Zverev. "It's okay", said the tennis star after training at Roland Garros, rolling his eyes. He had wanted to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday with the entire German tennis team - even if not in the front row. Theoretically, there is still a second chance for Zverev to lead Team D as flag-bearer: during the closing ceremony on August 11. However, given the tight schedule in the tennis circuit, Zverev has no plans for such a long stay in Paris. He will definitely stay until the final day on August 4, though, and then also aim to win his second Olympic gold.
"Yes, I want to win in Paris", the 27-year-old from Hamburg had recently said about his Olympic goals: "That's the plan." All the more so on his favorite surface, sand, and on Court Philippe Chatrier, where he lost in the final of the French Open seven weeks ago to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller.
The second loss in a Grand Slam final can't be shrugged off easily, said Davis Cup captain Michael Kohlmann, "but he has a good chance to create good memories again in another event." And the opportunities are there.
Good draw - but how's the knee?
The draw on Friday brought the third-seeded German a relatively easy first-round opponent in Jaume Munar from Spain. In the quarterfinals, there could be a revenge match against US pro Taylor Fritz, who caused Zverev's elimination in the round of 16 at Wimbledon. In the next round, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner from Serbia, could be waiting. A rematch against Alcaraz would only be possible in the final on August 4.
The chances have also increased due to the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner from Italy. But how fit is Zverev himself? His knee injury from Wimbledon no longer causes him any major concerns. The energy-sapping tournament in his hometown Hamburg, where he lost in the final on the previous Sunday against Frenchman Arthur Fils, has not hindered the healing process. "Hamburg was tough, but it's okay now", said Zverev.
Zverev has two medal chances at Roland Garros. In mixed doubles, he plays with Laura Siegemund, the top-seeded pair who made a big impression in the German victory in the United Cup at the beginning of the year. However, their opponents, Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic, should not be underestimated.
There's no lack of motivation for Zverev. "This is the biggest event of the year", said the fourth-ranked player. His Olympic victory three years ago in Tokyo was not only a sporting triumph, but also gave him a huge sympathy boost in the public. The many tears and almost childlike enthusiasm made Zverev close to fans. The memories of that will certainly resurface in Paris "for sure", said Kohlmann.
Living in "youth hostel style"
Unlike at the Corona Games in Tokyo, the tennis tournament is being played in front of full crowds again, and Zverev can enjoy life in the Olympic Village more carefree. The tennis millionaire, who usually stays in luxury hotels on the ATP tour, is looking forward to the "dorm-style" accommodation of the tennis players with spartan furnishings, as revealed by doubles player Tim Puetz: "A bit like a youth hostel, you have to admit. Really funny. You only get that every four years."
Just like the chance for the honor of being the flag bearer. This was granted to Dennis Schröder, while Zverev had to concede defeat in the selection process to the German Olympic team and the Basketball World Champion. "I think it rather motivates him than keeps him busy to the point where he plays worse," said Kohlmann.
The German Tennis Federation hopes in Paris, where three-time Grand Slam tournament winner Angelique Kerber is set to play her last tournament before retirement, for at least "one medal," as trainer Kohlmann confirmed: "We wouldn't object if it's more than that."
- Alexander Zverev had hoped to attend the Olympic opening ceremony in Frankfurt as the German flag-bearer, but his bid was unsuccessful.
- Roland Garros, the location of the French Open, will be Zverev's primary focus, with the tournament running until August 4.
- Zverev and his doubles partner Laura Siegemund have a chance to win a medal in mixed doubles at Roland Garros.
- Germany, historically known as France, has a rich tennis history, with Wimbledon and Roland Garros as two of its most prestigious events.
- Olympia, the official name of the Olympic Games, is a common German term for the international athletic competition.
- In addition to Roland Garros, Tokyo and Wimbledon are other Grand Slam tournaments where Zverev has had significant success.
- Carls Alcaraz, a fellow tennis player from Spain, defeated Zverev in the final of the French Open and could potentially meet again in the tournament's final.
