Alexander Zverev reveals what he told Novak Djokovic after ending world No 1’s historic bid at Olympics
It appeared to be “impossible” to beat Novak Djokovic at the Tokyo Olympics, but sometimes the impossible happens. Just ask Alexander Zverev.
Having won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year, Djokovic was looking to complete a Golden Grand Slam with only gold in the singles at the Olympics and the US Open missing from the collection.
And he looked unbeatable in the first four matches in Tokyo while he also dominated the early stages of his semi-final against Zverev, leading 6-1, 3-2 before the German produced a stunning comeback to claim a 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory.
When you realise you’re through to the #gold medal match at #Tokyo2020 #UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | #Olympics pic.twitter.com/vIQjl3nuF2
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) July 30, 2021
Zverev revealed after the match that he told Djokovic “that he’s the greatest of all time”.
“It’s an amazing feeling, knowing that you’re going to bring the medal back to your house, back home to Germany,” he told ITFtennis.com. “It’s incredible beating the best player in the world undoubtedly right now, and in this season.
“It seemed it was impossible to beat him at this event, so I’m very happy right now. But there’s still one match to go.
“I know that he was chasing history, chasing the golden slam and was chasing the Olympics, but in these kind of moments me and Novak are very close. Of course I’m happy that I’ve won, but at the end of the day I know how Novak feels. I told him that he’s the greatest of all time, and he will be.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.