With the 2021 Tokyo Games not too far away, athletes across the globe are preparing themselves for what promises to be an exciting prospect. In tennis too, players from the WTA and ATP tour are gearing up for the mega event and have already open about how they would want to bring home the medal.
While some top names like Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Serena Williams have withdrawn, the next generation players are making a strong case to represent their respective countries. As we are in the middle of 2021 Wimbledon, the German contingent has already announced its members who will be flying to Tokyo to participate in various categories from singles, doubles to mixed doubles.
World No.6 and 2020 US Open runner-up Alexander Zverev leads the German side. Big serving Jan-Lennard Struff, Dominik Koepfer, Philipp Kohlschreiber Kevin Krawietz and Tim Putz will also form a formidable line-up for Germany. As far as the ladies are concerned, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber leads the pack. Laura Siegmund and Anna-Lena Freidsam will also a part of the touring party.
Zverev looking forward to Tokyo 2021
Sascha Zverev had already mentioned a month ago on how he would love to represent his country if the Olympics were to be staged as per schedule.
“I expect they will be held,” Zverev told Die Welt. “If the Olympics take place, I will play too, unless I needs to quarantine for four weeks and can’t get out of my room. If so, it would be hard to keep fit.”
“With Kevin Krawietz, Tim and Jan-Lennard Struff we have already talked about who plays with whom. There were two teams on the way [to the Olympics], but Andreas Mies is unfortunately out with a knee injury, so we had to reorganise. For me, the triple commitment to singles, doubles and mixed doubles is not a problem, it is the Olympics. You accept everything to get the most for your country,” the 24-year-old added.
Back in 2016 at the Rio Olympics, Zverev who was only 19 then did not take part in the global sporting extravaganza, despite being ranked No. 24 in the world.
Also read: Wimbledon 2021: Alexander Zverev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime LIVE stream: When, Where, and How to Watch
