Alexander Zverev news: ‘I’ve never heard Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic mention money’

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Alexander Zverev shocked

One of Alexander Zverev’s comments following his Australian Open exit has left former world No 1 Mats Wilander a little bit bewildered.

Zverev’s wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues after he suffered a surprise 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 defeat at the hands of Denis Shapovalov in the fourth round at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

However, it was one of the German’s comments after his third-round win over Radu Albot that left Wilander a little puzzled.

Zverev was asked about the sacrifices he has made in order to reach the top in tennis and replied: “It’s a sacrifice but it’s something I enjoy doing. I can make good money from it, and good living with it.”

Following his defeat to Shapovalov, seven-time Grand Slam winner Wilander told the Eurosport Cube that he was surprised that Zverev brought up money.

“I thought it was interesting when you asked him about sacrifices that you make when you’re on tour,” he said.

“I’ve never really heard Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic mention money and Sascha actually mentioned that ‘yeah being away from home blah blah blah, but it’s a good job, I’m gonna make a bunch of money’ and I’m like, whoa, that is interesting.”

He added: “Ranking points, championships, I get it. So I hope Sasha gets it together that he actually just doesn’t want to be No. 1, but actually needs deep in his heart to be the best player that he can be and doesn’t hope that it just comes to him automatically.

“We’re used to this with Rafa and Roger and Novak. They have set the bar.

“They set the bar so high, these three, that we come to expect that’s what you have to do. It’s so tough to do.

“Sascha will find it I think. He will still be No 1. I think he will win a Slam this year.

“It just wasn’t a good day today and we need to figure out why.”

Alexander Zverev Mats Wilander

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