2023-12-30 08:50:15
Tennis player Alexander Zverev said defending his Olympic gold medal was a priority in 2004. But the world number seven said he was also ready to compete at the Grand Slam. The German tennis player eliminated Karen Khachanov to win the men’s singles title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a score of 6-3, 6-1, after beating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. It was a moment he still remembers fondly and the 26-year-old wants to experience the Olympics again in Paris next year. “This is definitely something I’m really looking forward to, as the defending champion,” said Zvere. Also read: Djokovic eyes 11th Australian Open title Germany, whose team also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber who has just returned from maternity leave, will face Italy in the first match on Saturday. “I think the Olympics are always very, very special. It’s probably the biggest event of the year, in my opinion, in my eyes, because the Olympics are held every four years. It’s very special in that respect,” he said. Also read: Come Back, Nadal Just Wants to Give His Best “I’m really looking forward to being in the Olympic Village again, being in a small apartment where you’re all together, just enjoying the time. That’s what I did in Tokyo. It went very well good,” he added. A year ago, Zverev was still recovering from a serious ankle injury suffered at the 2022 French Open and he appeared less than convincing in his comeback at the United Cup. However, he slowly improved as the season progressed until he reached the semifinals of the French Open and captured ATP titles in Hamburg and Chengdu. “I’m past that now. I was world number seven. I won several titles last year where I also beat some great players. I can hope to be a challenger again. That’s what I want,” he concluded. (AFP/Z-9)
Tennis player Alexander Zverev said defending his Olympic gold medal was a priority in 2004. But the world number seven said he was also ready to compete at the Grand Slam.
The German tennis player eliminated Karen Khachanov to win the men’s singles title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a score of 6-3, 6-1, after beating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
It was a moment he still remembers fondly and the 26-year-old wants to experience the Olympics again in Paris next year.
“This is definitely something I’m really looking forward to, as the defending champion,” said Zvere.
Also read: Djokovic Aims for 11th Australian Open Title
Germany, whose team also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber who has just returned from maternity leave, will face Italy in Saturday’s first match.
“I think the Olympics are always very, very special. It’s probably the biggest event of the year, in my opinion, in my eyes, because the Olympics are held every four years. It’s very special in that respect,” he said.
Also read: Come Back, Nadal Just Wants to Give the Best
“I’m really looking forward to being in the Olympic Village again, being in a small apartment where you’re all together, just enjoying the time. That’s what I did in Tokyo. It went really well,” he added.
A year ago, Zverev was still recovering from a serious ankle injury suffered at the 2022 French Open and he appeared less than convincing in his comeback at the United Cup.
However, he slowly improved as the season progressed until he reached the semifinals of the French Open and captured ATP titles in Hamburg and Chengdu.
“I’m past that now. I was world number seven. I won several titles last year where I also beat some great players. I can hope to be a challenger again. That’s what I want,” he concluded.
(AFP/Z-9)
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