Alexander Zverev suffered the biggest setback of his career in the semi-finals of the French Open and will probably have to take a longer break – but that won’t stop him. On the contrary.
He was all in. He fought, struggled and even performed magic. Alexander Zverev kept up with Rafael Nadal, one of the best tennis players in the history of the sport, in the semi-finals of the French Open. Even at 36, the Spaniard is virtually invincible on clay. On Friday against the German, the “King of Paris” also played tennis like a different star at times, repeatedly achieving the seemingly impossible with the most daring shots – and yet was unable to decisively distance himself from his opponent, who is ten years younger. On the contrary.
In the second set – after more than three hours of play – the match went into a tie-break, Zverev seemed fresher, with more energy than the record winner in Paris. Then fate struck mercilessly on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Just a moment ago, his great dream, his “life’s goal”, seemed possible: the first victory in a Grand Slam tournament. After all, he has already won Olympic gold, but the triumph at one of the “big four” has so far eluded him. He would also have been sure of the top spot in the world rankings.
Then he was suddenly thrown back, presumably seriously injured. How seriously is still unclear. Particularly tragic, especially as: whether in the semi-final against Nadal or before that in the convincing victory against top talent Carlos Alcaraz – his first at a Grand Slam against a top ten player – Zverev played the best tennis of his career.
Stronger, more focused – and wiser
So Alexander Zverev continues to be the biggest promise German tennis has had in many years. His potential remains undisputed, not only does he have what it takes to be a world-class player, he has long since joined the elite of his sport. Depending on the severity of his injury, he will now have to fight his way back.
Not only health-wise, but also sport-wise. Anyone who saw the 25-year-old’s tears when he tried to drag himself off the court with his face contorted in pain, supported by helpers, and when he returned a little later on crutches to say a proper goodbye in front of the Parisian audience, can only, must only acknowledge: This Alexander Zverev plays, lives, breathes tennis. And: This Alexander Zverev can and will come back. Stronger, more focused – and wiser.
In February, when the player from Hamburg was once again unable to control his emotions at a tournament, I wrote to him, the highly talented but unrestrained player: “Damn it, pull yourself together! Now the plea to fate could be: “Damn it, let him play!”
