‘Vomited 37 times’ Why is Alexander Zverev proud despite losing in Hamburg ahead of French Open?
The world no.3 Alexander Zverev lost in the round of 16 at Hamburg Open to Alexandre Muller but isn’t despondent. The reason? He is proud of the way he fought despite physical issues.
“Last night I threw up 37 times and my temperature was 39.4ºC, so it’s pretty good. I was two points away from winning the match, so there’s a lot to be said for me. I think there are only two players in the world who would have been on court today. I’m one of them, and I’m very proud of it,” Zverev said, without taking the name of the one other player he reckons would have done.
The French Open is set to begin soon and Zverev, who is yet to win a Grand Slam, is determined to do well.
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“I’ll recover first and then see, but nothing will change for me in Paris. I still want to show good tennis there and win a lot of matches. I think, overall, my tennis has been going well in the last few weeks. I showed good tennis in Rome, and here too. I’m just trying to prepare as best as possible,” Zverev said. “ “I was two points away from winning the match. There’s a lot to be said in my favour.”
In a recent interview to L’Équipe, Rafael Nadal had said that the only thing holding back Zverev from winning a grand slam is in the realms of mental fortitude.
“Zverev is an impressive player, but he hasn’t yet managed to win a Grand Slam. Unfortunately, I think it’s all in his head, because given his level of tennis, he should have won one now,” Nadal said.
When he lost in the Australian Open final to Sinner this year, Zverev had castigated himself. “I’m just not good enough. It’s as simple as that,” Zverev said at the post-match presentation. It sucks standing here next to this thing and not being able to touch it. Congrats to Jannik, you’re the best player in the world far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today but you’re too good. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lift the trophy but I’ll keep coming back, I’ll keep trying.”
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