Enjoy an exciting game of tennis on our courts. - Zverev aims for Paris final title: From underdog to ruler
German tennis player Alexander Zverev, having reached his first Grand Slam final at the French Open, reminisced about his debut in the same tournament back in 2018 at the US Open. "At that time, I was no longer a child, but still felt like one," he shared. Since his close five-set loss against Dominic Thiem, he's made significant progress both athletically and personally, hoping to show it on the court when he faces Spanish third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Court Philippe Chatrier.
Zverev, who triumphed in his semifinal battle against Casper Ruud despite Ruud's stomach troubles, is determined to lift the coveted trophy. He gave insight into how Paris is a place where he's experienced major emotional highs: "This court has a deep connection with some of the biggest moments in my career. I hope Sunday will be another moment I won't forget."
As the long-awaited first Grand Slam title nears, he's excited to share it with over 15,000 spectators in the largest stadium at Roland Garros. In 2020, his US Open showdown against Nadal took place without fans due to pandemic measures, leaving him feeling "strange" given the absence of an audience in tennis's largest venue. "It was the biggest tennis stadium in the world, yet there were only seven people there," he recalled.
Zverev looks forward to his next Grand Slam opportunity: "I'm ecstatic to have another chance at winning one of the four biggest titles in tennis after enduring many difficult days and losses."
Legal proceedings against him regarding a charge of bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend have been discontinued. The Berlin District Court Tiergarten came to a conclusion with a 200,000-euro fine. No conviction was handed out, and paying the fine doesn't equate to admitting guilt. "I'm relieved it's over," he stated plainly. Zverev made a request to the press: "I hope none of you will ever ask about this incident again."
