“After I beat Nadal, I felt that I already won the tournament,” Alexander Zverev reveals his true feelings about winning against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

The German knows what it means to be only the third player in history to beat Nadal at the French Open.

“After I beat Nadal, I felt that I already won the tournament,” Alexander Zverev reveals his true feelings about winning against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Alexander Zverev has been a contender for the French Open crown for many years now, along with a multitude of other top players, but just one man has stood in their way since the beginning of their careers. Rafael Nadal has dominated the French Open for the last two decades and made the ‘toughest Grand Slam’ his kingdom. He has triumphed there a staggering 14 times when some past legends had to retire without having a single French Open title to their name.

Zverev, however, made history on Monday by becoming just the third player ever to defeat Nadal in the prestigious courts of Roland Garros. Following this feat, he answered questions about how it made him feel in the on-court interview after his second-round victory. Ecstatic, the German said he feels like the title is already his.

After I beat Nadal, I felt that I already won the tournament. But no. The way is still long and it was good to have two days' rest.
Alexander Zverev said

The French Open, being a Grand Slam, is a fortnight-long event with seven rounds of main draw matches. Zverev, after making it past the first round against Nadal and the second round against David Goffin, is still left with a long road ahead of him before the trophy is even in sight.

FS Video

From tennis courts to court of law: Alexander Zverev faces trial for domestic abuse

Alexander Zverev has been under the radar of the ATP as well as the German judiciary and law enforcement ever since two of his ex-girlfriends accused him of domestic abuse and emotional assault. In 2020, Brenda Patea and Olya Sharypova made these allegations against Zverev, who was at the peak of his game then.

Alexander Zverev, Brenda Patea and Olga Sharypova
Brenda Patea, Alexander Zverev, and Olga Sharypova (Credits: Open Source/X)

Since then, the ATP has cleared him following an investigation, saying there is not enough proof against him. No official complaint was lodged until late last year when Patea registered one. This resulted in a lawsuit against the German star, and he was asked to pay close to half a million dollars as compensation. The official trial is set to be conducted on 31st May, and there is no need for Zverev to be physically present.

The process will take several weeks and the official hearing is set for mid-July. Zverev says he is confident that he will win the case, extending his on-court win streak to the law courts as well.

In case you missed it!