Roland Garros Tennis Tournament - Zverev aims to match Alcaraz's intensity in play style.
Alexander Zverev, the German tennis player, realized two hours after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final that he needed to mimic the Spaniard in one respect.
The 27-year-old described Alcaraz as a "beast" and an "animal" due to his intensity: "His intensity is what eventually gets you." Zverev plans to meet with his team now to discuss how he can achieve the same level.
Zverev: "I lost concentration"
Zverev's post-match statement after his 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 1-6, 2-6 loss in Paris at his second Grand Slam final was surprising. Known for being one of the fittest players on the tour, he played a total of 23 hours and 46 minutes in two weeks at Roland Garros, including three five-set matches. Nonetheless, he admitted, "I need to get even more physically fit."
Zverev blamed his lack of focus for his loss in the fourth set. He said, "I lost my concentration, and I didn't get the power from my legs on my serve, oddly enough, because normally I don't tire."
Despite the huge disappointment, Zverev remained surprisingly calm. He refused to use the controversial decision by the main umpire in the fifth set, who had overruled a correct out call at 1-2 and 40-15 on Alcaraz's second serve, as an excuse. "I believe I gave everything I could," he said. It was different from his Grand Slam final debut at the US Open in 2020, "where I just gave in to myself."
Zverev felt a mixture of pride and disappointment. He said, "Yes and no, I'm proud. But in the end, you want to win, and lift a trophy. I didn't accomplish that."
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Zverev acknowledged the influence of Alcaraz's intensity on his game, determining that he must emulate it for future success at the International French Open. In contrast to his usually high physical fitness, Zverev acknowledged the need to improve in this area following his loss to the Spanish youngster. He attributed his fourth set collapse to a lack of focus, admitting that his serve lacked power due to this lapse.
The German remained composed, refusing to blame external factors such as the umpire's controversial decision for his defeat. Reflecting on his previous Grand Slam final encounter at the US Open in 2020, Zverev expressed a desire for better control over his emotions in future matches. Showing a mix of pride and disappointment, Zverev acknowledged his lack of a Grand Slam title and vowed to strive for improvement, inspired by the intensity of players like Alcaraz, even in countries like Spain and tournaments like the French Open in Paris.
