World No.7 Alexander Zverev says he found it ‘tough’ that his parents couldn’t be with him at the US Open after both of them tested positive for the coronavirus.
The German tennis star paid tribute to father Alexander and Mother Irina shortly after losing to Dominic Thiem in the final of the US Open. Zverev was on the verge of winning his maiden Grand Slam title multiple times but failed to cross the finish line. He led the match by two sets and attempted to serve for the win whilst leading 5-3 in the fifth. However it wasn’t to be as Thiem valiantly battled back to win 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6).
Speaking afterwards, a teary Zverev spoke about his parents’ positive tests for the first time. His Father, Alexander Sr, is a former player himself and has been a long-time member of his coaching team along with new addition David Ferrer. Irina is also a former player and Zverev’s brother Mischa also plays on the ATP Tour.
“They were there with me for every tournament. Unfortunately my dad and mother tested positive (for COVID-19) before the tournament and couldn’t have gone with me. I miss them. This is tough,” said Zverev.
“I’m sure they’re at home and proud. I hope I can bring the trophy to them (one day).”
Speaking to reporters during his press conference, the 23-year-old elaborate further. Admitting that he couldn’t remember much about what he said during the trophy ceremony because of his emotions.
“They’re fine,” he said. “They’re actually negative already. That’s the reason they didn’t come here. But, yeah, I mean, look, losing 7-6 in the fifth after being two sets to love and a break up is not easy.
“At the speech, I mean, I got emotional. I couldn’t put two words together. I don’t actually remember what I said. It was a difficult moment for me.”
Flushing Meadows was Zverev’s first taste of what it is like to play in a Grand Slam final. He is the first male player from his country to reach the title match in New York since Michael Stich in 1994 and the youngest to do so since Novak Djokovic back in 2010.
Despite the heartbreak, Zverev says he believes he will still become a Grand Slam champion in the future.
“I was super close to being a Grand Slam champion. I was a few games away, a few points away. What upset me the most is not the third set or something like that, it’s the fifth set. I had a lot of chances and didn’t use them,” he explained.
“I’m 23 years old. I don’t think it’s my last chance. I do believe that I will be a Grand Slam champion at some point.”
