Tennis - Zverev's fight in the Hamburg final was unsuccessful
Alexander Zverev fought against a strong opponent – and with his body. In the end, the German tennis star had to concede defeat in the finale of his home tournament in Hamburg, losing to the rising Frenchman Arthur Fils after a grueling 3 hours and 33 minutes, 3:6, 6:3, 6:7 (1:7).
It was the longest finale since the introduction of the Best-of-three-Sets format, and one of the best finals of the past few years. After the intense duel, it took a little while before the tension subsided, but then Zverev spray-champagneed his conqueror at the winner's ceremony in a conciliatory manner. Despite the loss, the World No. 4 was overall satisfied with his performance leading up to the Olympics in Paris in the coming week. However, he missed the opportunity 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, which I will never forget, even if the title defense didn't go as planned," said Zverev. Looking towards his future goals, he added, "We want to be number one by the end of the year." To his opponent, he said, "You deserved the win. Enjoy the moment."
Battle against body and opponent
More than three and a half hours, Zverev not only had to face the 20-year-old Fils, but also physical issues. It wasn't so much his injured left knee, which had long cast doubt on Zverev's tournament start. "Due to playing with a low blood sugar level, I was dizzy in the first set because we played in 31-degree heat in the sun. That was tough on me," explained Zverev, who is a diabetic.
The 10,000 spectators sympathized with their hometown hero. At 1:4 and 40:40 in the first set, Zverev asked for medical assistance. "My stomach is pulling me down," he told the helpers. He received electrolytes. "Midway through the second set, I was fine," he said.
His opponent also significantly contributed to Zverev's struggles. A year ago, he had easily defeated Fils in the Hamburg semifinals in two sets. Before the final this year, Zverev had already praised the World No. 28. "He's one of the most talented players we have on tour. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world," said Zverev.
Top-notch tennis in the third set
Despite the intense play from Fils and Zverev's physical issues, the Hamburg native had enough opportunities. Out of 22 break chances, he converted only one, which ultimately led to a 6:3 second-set win. In the decisive set, both players displayed top-notch sand tennis, but under the closed roof due to rain. When it came to the tiebreak, Fils could not be stopped, and he secured his first title at an ATP500 tournament and his second overall.
Zverev aims to be the flag bearer
Before the Olympic start on Friday, Zverev hopes for success in another competition. He is one of the three candidates for the role of the male flag bearer at the opening ceremony in Paris. His competitors are basketball world champion Dennis Schröder and shooting Olympic gold medalist Christian Reitz. Regardless, he will receive support from his tennis colleagues Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz. The current best German doubles team successfully defended their title in Hamburg. The duo from Coburg and Frankfurt/Main defeated the Frenchmen Fabien Reboul/Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7:6 (10:8). "With confidence, a good mood, and definitely a great preparation," said Pütz.
And he and his double partner travel just like Zverev to Paris on Tuesday. In addition, Jan-Lennard Struff, Dominik Koepfer, and Maximilian Marterer are also part of this. These six form the German Tennis-Men's WG in the Olympic Village. I think it's going to be a good time, said Krawietz.
- Alexander Zverev, despite losing to Arthur Fils in Hamburg, looked forward to competing at the Olympic Games in Paris, hoping to become the first German since Gottfried von Cramm in 1949 to win the tournament twice in a row.
- Zverev's opponent, Arthur Fils, is a French tennis player who previously fell to Zverev in the Hamburg semifinals but managed to secure his first title at an ATP500 tournament by defeating him in the final in Paris.
- Aside from Zverev and Fils, the Olympic Games in Paris will also feature other notable German tennis players, such as Kevin Krawietz, Tim Pütz, Jan-Lennard Struff, Dominik Koepfer, and Maximilian Marterer, who will be staying together in the German Tennis-Men's WG in the Olympic Village.
- Before heading to Paris for the Olympics, Krawietz and Pütz successfully defended their title in Hamburg, defeating French opponents Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in a closely contested doubles match.
- Zverev, aiming to defend his title in Hamburg and perform well in Paris, had a challenging match due to both physical issues and a fierce opponent, Fils, mentioning playing with low blood sugar levels in the scorching heat and praising Fils as one of the most talented players on the tour.
