ATP Hamburg - Zverev's fight proves unsuccessful in Hamburg final
Alexander Zverev fought against a strong opponent – and with his body. In the end, the German tennis star had to give in to the rising Frenchman Arthur Fils in the finale of his home tournament in Hamburg, losing 3:6, 6:3, 6:7 (1:7).
It was the longest finale since the introduction of the Best-of-three-Set system (where the winner needs to win two sets) and one of the best finals of the past few years. After the intense duel, it took a little while before the tension eased, but then Zverev spray-sprayed his conqueror with Champagne during the trophy presentation. 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 an opponent and his body
More than three and a half hours, Zverev not only had to face the 20-year-old Fils, but also deal with physical issues. It was less his injured left knee, which had long threatened Zverev's tournament participation. "Because I played with a low blood sugar level, I was dizzy in the first set because we played in 31-degree heat in the sun. That didn't feel good," explained Zverev, who is a diabetic.
The 10,000 spectators suffered with their hometown hero. 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 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 semifinals of Hamburg in straight sets. Before the final this year, Zverev had already praised the World No. 28. "He is 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.
World-class tennis in the third set
Despite the intense play from Fils and Zverev's issues, the Hamburg native had enough opportunities. From 22 break chances, he converted only one, which ultimately led to a 6:3 in the second set. In the decisive set, both players displayed world-class sand tennis, but under the closed roof due to rain. When it went to a tiebreak, Fils could not be stopped, and he secured his first title at an ATP500 tournament and his second overall.
Alexander 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 to be chosen as 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/Édouard Roger-Vasselin 7:6 (10:8). "With confidence, a good mood, and definitely a great preparation," said Pütz.
And him and his double partner travel similarly to 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 dormitory in the Olympic Village. "I think it's going to be a good time," said Krawietz.
- Alexander Zverev, despite the loss in Hamburg, was looking forward to defending his title at the upcoming tennis tournament in Paris during the Olympic Games.
- In his home tournament, Zverev had a challenging match against Arthur Fils, needing to combat physical issues, including low blood sugar in the scorching heat, during their Best-of-three-Set finale.
- Alexander Zverev and Arthur Fils showcased their skills in a thrilling third set, with Fils securing his first title at an ATP500 tournament and his second overall after a tense tiebreaker.
- As part of Team Germany for the Olympics, Alexander Zverev will be joined by his doubles partner Tim Pütz and other tennis players in Paris, aiming to have a successful tournament in the Olympic Village and contribute to a memorable experience for the team.
