With his first Grand Slam now on the shelf, Alexander Zverev’s collection of trophies has grown even more impressive.
Even before lifting that first major title, Zverev had already built up a trophy haul that most players could only dream of. His career was already well-decorated with ATP titles and big wins.
His multiple runs to Grand Slam finals, though ending in disappointment, added to an already strong list of achievements that included Olympic gold and success at the ATP Finals.
Zverev was recently asked how it compared to his 2020 Tokyo Olympics win during a press conference after his long-awaited victory.
Alexander Zverev compares Olympic gold to his first Grand Slam
Zverev was asked by Sky Germany whether the Roland Garros win now took precedence over his Olympic gold.
The German star replied: “No. Not for me. The Olympic Games are the most difficult title to win. They are held once every four years.”
“We have very few Olympic champions and many great players who never managed to win a Games. You don’t just win for yourself. The whole country supports you. You have a whole nation behind you. The Olympic Games are simply something much more special.”
Zverev recently stated when he plans to retire from tennis, and if that is to be the case, then there will be plenty more opportunities to add to his Olympic success.
Alexander Zverev says his French Open win was deserved
In the same interview, Zverev addressed why he felt he had earned his Grand Slam win, even if some believe the path to it was a bit fortunate.
With Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic going out early, and Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing before the tournament started, it did open up a clearer path.
Zverev didn’t shy away from that, saying: “I think we have earned this victory by hand. We did almost everything, or many things, to achieve this success. Of course, there have been comments from many people who said: ‘Okay, Sinner lost, Alcaraz didn’t even play.’ But how much bad luck have I had in the Grand Slams in recent years?
“I think it’s good to have a little luck once in a while, and I’m more than happy to accept it.”
Zverev also touched on just how difficult it is to claim these titles with so many strong players around now and in the past.
“Before there were Novak [Djokovic], Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer], and now there are Alcaraz and Sinner. There is never a guarantee of winning. But of course I’m happy. I am happy to have finally won this title,” he added.
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