ATP Munich: Alexander Zverev - Olympia yes, Davis Cup rather no
Alexander Zverev gave a very humorous press conference before the start of the BMW Open in Munich. And his priorities for the tennis year 2021 are clearly defined.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Apr 26, 2021, 11:02 am
The test setup at the MTTC Iphitos was a little different on Monday: Alexander Zverev, two-time champion in Munich and first in 2021, had asked for a press conference, so far, so good. In recent years, Zverev had fulfilled this obligation in the official player hotel, which is not possible in times of the pandemic. And so a summery-looking seating group was arranged directly in front of the clubhouse, in the center of which the German number one took its place.
# IMG2 #
To say that Alexander Zverev is extremely relaxed at the moment would be a gross understatement. No topic is taboo, be it the damaged elbow (“The pain already started at the French Open last autumn”) or the prospects of some young colleagues (“Jannik Sinner will also feel the pressure when he is in the top Ten is ") or the experiences of the last few weeks in the tennis bubble (" Rotterdam was the most difficult, Acapulco the absolute highlight. ").
At the start in Tokyo with Kerber
As always, Zverev sees the season highlights at the Grand Slam tournaments. And this year also at the Olympic Games. It is clear that he will compete in Tokyo individually. But there is also at least one start in pair skating. "It has long been agreed that I will play mixed with Angie Kerber." No premiere for the two best German tennis professionals, they have already served together for Germany at the Hopman Cup.
Zverev first has to read the regulations regarding the men's doubles, in this competition a lot depends on how quickly Andreas Mies gets fit again. The Cologne resident is actually set together with Kevin Krawietz, but is currently curing a knee operation.
Zverev has also defined the preferences for any free days in Tokyo. The desire to watch a few Olympic basketball matches come as no surprise. “Then swimming, because I have some friends who are actively involved. And athletics. ”The Diamond League meeting in Monte Carlo gave him a taste for this.
Zverev is not a fan of the Davis Cup format
Alexander Zverev has registered that Olympic starters have the opportunity to be vaccinated against the corona virus. Finds, however, that there should be no prioritization for athletes. Rather, his parents and all those who are at greater risk than young men and women should be vaccinated.
Zverev has not changed his opinion on the Davis Cup mode. "For me the Davis Cup is like it was back then in Valencia, like in Australia, like in Hanover," said the 24-year-old. He couldn't do anything with the new format. Especially since from his point of view there is no difference to the ATP Cup. If so, then the Davis Cup should be raised as big as a soccer world championship. And only take place every two or four years.
Here the single tableau in Munich
miphitos