Despite recent concerns expressed about the upcoming Olympic Games by some of his peers, Alexander Zverev has vowed to participate with the hope of winning multiple medals.
The US Open runner-up has revealed that should all goes to plan he will be playing in all three tennis events (singles, doubles and mixed doubles). Zverev is yet to take part in the Olympics after withdrawing from the 2016 Rio Games due to ‘health concerns.’ However, this time round he hopes to be fully fit for the event.
“Triple burden does not matter, this is the Olympics,” the world No.6 told bild.de.
It has been reported that the German would like to team up with former women’s world No.1 Angelique Kerber to play in the mixed doubles. Kerber won a silver medal in the singles back in 2016 where she finished runner-up to Monica Puig. As for the men’s doubles, Zverev is hoping to play alongside Tim Pütz. The two recently paired up at the Madrid Open where they reached the semi-finals before withdrawing.
“That would be particularly interesting with Tim for the Olympics,” he said. “We have already discussed with Kevin Krawietz, Tim and Jan-Lennard Struff who is playing with whom. We’ll probably get two teams in.”
Recently there has been concern over the Tokyo Games taking place amid the number of COVID-19 cases in the region. In the latest figures published by health officials, Tokyo reported 925 news cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday which is higher compared to the same time last week (609 cases) and two weeks ago (828 cases). Tokyo is currently in a state of emergency due to the virus.
Amid the concerns, Zverev has insisted that he will be attending the Games if they go ahead as long as he is healthy and able to do so. The Olympics take place three weeks after Wimbledon.
“I assume. But I’m not a politician,” Zverev comments on if the Games will take place.
“When the Olympics take place, I’ll also play, unless I have to be quarantined for four weeks beforehand and not be allowed out of the room.”
The Olympic tennis event is set to start on July 24th.
