interview
Alexander Zverev is looking forward to the tennis tournament in Halle. In the Sportschau interview, the 26-year-old talks about his current form, the most difficult year of his career so far and a special wish.
sports show: Alexander Zverev, after your serious injury last year, it was unclear for a long time when and if you would even be able to get back to your level. The French Open went to the semifinals. What are your impressions of coming to Halle?
Alexander Zverev: “I’m happy with my form. I’m playing well, everything’s fine. I’m in a position now where I can come to a tournament and say I can and want to win it.”
sports show: Now you can stand here on the tennis court again and formulate these goals with self-confidence. The serious injury last year, the uncertainty afterwards, that was also a roller coaster ride of emotions. When you think about it, what’s going through your mind?
Zverev: “Now nothing at all. That was a year ago. I had the feeling that having reached the semi-finals in Paris had given me a liberating blow. I’ll leave it at that. I’m here now, I’m about to jump into the top in the world rankings 20.”
sports show: Hall celebrates 30 years. Every year more than 100,000 visitors come here to the German Wimbledon. How is it for you to play here?
Zverev: “I always look forward to this tournament. The stadium is usually full, the crowd is amazing. It’s definitely a tournament I always look forward to.”
sports show: How important is it for you in terms of sport?
Zverev: “Halle is the biggest tournament that we still have in Germany. Every year there is a top line-up on the court. That’s why I believe that many players want to play for the title and show their best tennis.”
sports show: The tennis circus has been avoiding Germany for years. The biggest and most important tournaments take place elsewhere. Oscar Otte recently said that he would be happy if there were more tennis tournaments in this country.
Zverev: “I would be very happy if we had a huge tournament in Germany again, a 1000 Masters tournament. It is the largest country in Europe in terms of population. I also believe that Germany needs this stage, tennis needs it. Not only me, every German player would be happy about a Masters.”
sports show: Lawn is not your favorite surface. In Wimbledon it was over in the round of 16 at the latest. How would you describe the relationship with the turf – is it a love-hate relationship?
Zverev: “I’ve already played finals twice in Halle, but mostly I only play two grass tournaments a year, here and in Wimbledon. That’s why it’s not easy for me. But I’m sure that I’ll win a tournament on grass one day. Let’s see how it goes on the surface in the next few years.”
Christian Michel conducted the interview.