Alexander Zverev dreams of the Laver Cup in Cologne
Alexander Zverev is the champion at the first edition of the bett1HULKS Indoors. In his first appearance in Germany since the Hamburg European Open in July last year, the number 1 of the tournament defeated the Canadian young star Felix Auger-Aliassime in two sets in the final on Sunday.
by Florian Heer
last edit: Oct 19, 2020, 08:06 am
“It's always something special for me to play in Germany and win a title,” said Zverev, delighted with his triumph in the Lanxess Arena. “Even if there weren't any fans there, I felt the support from home and had the feeling of playing in Germany. I hope many people watched the final on TV and noticed it. "
The 22-year-old has now won at least one title per season for the fifth year in a row. Overall, it is the twelfth trophy in the Zverevs collection. “Of course I hope to be able to keep this up. It was more difficult this year because we played fewer tournaments. Cologne was only my third ATP event this year, apart from the ATP Cup. I still have a few tournaments ahead of me and I hope to continue to show good tennis. "
Cologne, London, Turin
This leads to the unusual situation that the following event will be held at the same location when the main field of the bett1HULKS Championship starts on Monday. "I don't think that there will be more opportunities to do so in the future," said Zverev, convinced of the uniqueness of this novelty on the ATP tour.
The ATP Finals, on the other hand, have still been firmly marked in his calendar. Even in the face of rising COVID-19 cases in Great Britain, Zverev has no concerns about competing in London next month.
“The hotel is right next to the stadium. Both will be cordoned off. This is the last place where you are susceptible to Corona, "said the number 7 in the world rankings and considered how the future season finals could be improved. “When I saw the stadium here in Cologne, my first thought was why the ATP Finals were awarded to Turin and not take place here. My second thought was, when are we going to bring the Laver Cup here? ”Zverev smiled and referred to his management Team8, who also co-organized the team competition. "Wherever you are ... there will be a conversation."
Mattresses and dogs
“We are mattress” is the main sponsor's slogan. That these are not just empty words can be seen in particular at the place in the Lanxess Arena, where one would normally assume the seating for sponsors and VIPs. The bett1HULKS have oversized, very comfortable seating with the best view of the game. Media representatives also have the opportunity to convince themselves of the convenience in the press room.
Adam Szpyt, founder and managing director of bett1, can often be found on the edge of the center court. He is not alone in this. At his side is his dog, who is of course accredited for this tournament in accordance with the rules. "Barnie Geröllheimer" has its own camera to provide insights of a special kind via its own social media channel. This is consistent with the event, as tournament director Barbara Rittner is known to be a friend of the four-legged friends. Of course, “Rittner Rone” also has its own tournament badge.