‘I’d rather play final against a friend than a guy who I don’t like,’ Alexander Zverev on the strong bond with Dominic Thiem
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Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem
Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem are the best of friends off court and fierce rivals on court since the last 4 years. The two players have been vocal about the mutual respect they have for each other on multiple occasions.
Last year at the US Open Final, both the players played one of the best matches of the year in which Thiem came from 2 sets down to win his maiden Grand Slam. Zverev recalls the final as says that he would rather play a friend in the final than a person whom he doesn’t like.
He said: “You have a friend on tour and you play the most important matches against him. It could not be more beautiful. I’d rather play final against a friend than a guy who I don’t like.”
Thiem-Zverev friendship
Thiem and Zverev have known each other since 2014, despite the age difference of four years, both came on the ATP tour at the same time. Both consider each other ‘Best-Friends’ on tour and rate each other highly.
After their epic final, Thiem also spoke about their friendship. “It was something special that our common path leads us to a Grand Slam final with a long friendship and rivalry.”
He also spoke about how much he was hurt seeing Zverev in tears. “In the four hours the friendship was completely hidden. But it was difficult for me at the awards ceremony. It would have been easier against someone else. He was really destroyed, shed a few tears. I wish him from the bottom of my heart that he will win such a big title as soon as possible”
Both Zverev and Thiem will be seen in action at the French Open next week. Zverev will look to carry momentum and go deep in the tournament while Thiem will want to find his lost form at Paris.
Also read: ‘If I didn’t believe I could win Roland Garros, I wouldn’t be competing,’ says Daniil Medvedev
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Lakshya Chopra
(2634 Articles Published)