Alexander Zverev still has to get used to his new life as a Grand Slam champion. Above all, the many news, including from the tennis world, left a big impression.
Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev has hardly been able to avoid congratulations since his success at the French Open. “I can’t keep up. I’ve only been answering messages for three days. I still have 1,576 messages here, which will definitely take another two days. But I’m still going through them,” said Zverev in an exclusive conversation with RTL/ntv.
Among the numerous well-wishers are many from the tennis world, such as icons Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The 29-year-old is particularly happy about their messages, as they show special appreciation.
“Rafa sent me an incredibly long message. Even during the tournament. These are things that I value incredibly. We have played against each other for years. We have had numerous battles against each other and the fact that they take the time to write to me and give me support somewhere, I respect that very much – Novak (Djokovic, editor’s note) and Rafa,” said the Hamburg native.
“I think that was special for Germany too”
Nadal and Zverev have played a total of eleven games against each other at ATP level, with the Spaniard winning seven times. The last two games against each other took place in Paris, of all places: in 2022, both faced each other in the semi-final in which Zverev suffered a serious injury and was then out for months. In 2024, Alexander Zverev won smoothly in three sets, only failing in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.
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Zverev was also happy about a call from Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “It’s a great honor for me that he called personally. He told me that he was excited. That was special for me,” Zverev gave an insight into his emotional world: “I think that was also special for Germany: the first German Paris winner in almost 80 years.”
Next week he will start the grass season in Halle/Westphalia to prepare for the classic in Wimbledon (from June 29th). “I’m doing great, I feel great and of course I’m overjoyed,” said Zverev. He feels ready to “continue playing straight away”.