Olympia: Alexander Zverev has a medal in his sights
Germany's number one Alexander Zverev has been optimistic before the flight to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
by SID
last edit:
Jul 17, 2021, 03:49 pm
Germany's tennis star Alexander Zverev flies to Tokyo for the Olympic Games on Sunday with clear ideas. "I'm going there to play for a medal for Germany," said the fifth in the world rankings in an interview with Sportschau, "that doesn't mean I'll win. But I see myself as one of the favorites."
Despite all the Corona restrictions, Zverev is looking forward to an incomparable atmosphere on site. "I think that will be very special. Of course you don't know what it will be like with Corona. But to experience the Olympic Village once is of course madness," he said. He is also looking forward to playing for Germany: "I love Germany. I always really, really enjoy playing for my country. It's even more emotional when you know that everyone is cheering at home."
Even in the Japanese capital, there is no getting around Novak Djokovic. After the refusals of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Dominic Thiem, the Serb is considered the top favorite. The world number one has won all three Grand Slam tournaments this year and is reaching for the "Golden Slam" - winning the four major tournaments within one calendar year plus the Olympics. A feat that until now only tennis legend Steffi Graf succeeded in 1988.
Zverev dares to win against Djokovic
Zverev has already beaten the "Djoker" and dares to do it in Tokyo. "You have to be able to do things that not many other players can do. You have to run with him and you have to be able to overpower him," said the man from Hamburg. "I see myself as someone who always has a chance against him." In Tokyo, the Ariake Tennis Park is played on hard courts. The topping is Zverev. And he still has "a few days to feel good."
In addition to the singles, Zverev will also compete in doubles, alongside Warsteiner Jan-Lennard Struff. It remains to be seen whether he will also be playing mixed. After Angelique Kerber's rejection, Laura Siegemund would be the obvious solution. The field of participants for the mixed competition will only be decided on site.