Alexander Zverev made the headlines for all the wrong reasons and drew flak a day before challenging Jannik Sinner for his Wimbledon title on Sunday’s final at the All England Club.
The German is riding the wave since lifting his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros last month. In London, he has dropped just two sets over the fortnight proving his hunger for Grand Slams hasn’t satiated. He earned his place in the final after ending spirited Arthur Fery’s fairytale run with a comfortable -6(0), 6-2, 6-4 win.
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On the eve of the Wimbldeon final, Zverev explained what drove him to make successive appearance at Grand Slam finals. While Dominic Thiem, who broke the German’s dream at the 2020 US Open with a monumental comeback, has faded since the famous win.
According to Zverev, reaching his maiden SW19 final right after the biggest win of his career in the French capital, is a result of his desire to compete at the top level. But for Thiem it was a complete different scenario.
“I think Dominic Thiem in particular put his whole life and soul into winning that Slam. He came back from 2 sets to 0 down against me in the U.S. Open. I think it was such a relief for him that it was maybe a bit too much of a relief mentally,” Alexander Zverev said while speaking to the press.
For me, I stay focused. I stay hungry. I want more. I want to continue playing at the best level. I want to continue winning. I hope I’m able to do that. On Sunday, I have another big chance,” he added.
Alexander Zverev’s remark on Thiem was percieved as a sign of arrogance by many fans. Some fans were quick to point out that Zverev’s French Open win was a result of Jannik Sinner’s early exit and Carlos Alcraz’s absence. A fan even reminded the German that Thiem had thrashed him during their 12 meetings, notching eight wins compared to Zverev’s four.
“He always has something low key arrogant to say,” a user wrote on X.
“He only won roland garros bc sinner and alcaraz weren’t there. getting a little too big for his britches now,” a user remarked.
“This is funny because Zverev is making back-to-back finals because of Alcaraz’s absence,” a user stated.
“Shut up Zverev, you’ve beaten more women in your career than top 10 players on your way to the Slam finals,” another user said.
“Arrogant twat. Thiem had/has serious injuries. This prick is only starting to get far now because he’s no real competition,” a user added.
“I cannot stand how arrogant he is. the reality is, he didn’t beat any top 10 players om route to his 1st grand slam title. even Kamil Majchrzak has to beat 3 top-10 players to win a 250 title,” a user stated.
A look at Alexander Zverev’s head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner
In Sunday’s Wimbledon final, two juggernauts are expected to produce a spectacle. Jannik Sinner will walk in as the on-paper favourite to defend his Wimbledon crown, considering the dominance he has exuded over Alexander Zverev.
Sinner has squared off against the German 14 times and the World No. 1 Italian has basked in success 10 times while Zverev has managed four. He has been winless against Sinner since the 2023 US Open. This year, the duo faced each other four times and Sinner has maintained a flawless 4-0 record. Alexander Zverev would need to pull something special to outlast Jannik Sinner’s belligerent style of play.
Edited by Shyam Kamal