“Live together peacefully” Alexander Zverev hopes ‘the sport can lead by example’ amidst the Ukraine-Russia war
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Alexander Zverev
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has given his perspective on the crisis between Russia-Ukraine war. Along with many other top-level players, the German supports the movement for unity and no war. Zverev last completed in the 2022 Acapulco Open, where he displayed unethical and unsporting behavior after his loss in the doubles second round against the Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliövaara pair.
After his defeat, along with his partner, Brazilian tennis player Marcelo Melo ( 6-2, 4-6 ), the German, out of anger, smashed his racket deliberately over and over on the Umpire’s chair while the Umpire was seated. This caused his disqualification from the tournament, as decided by the ATP Authorities.
However, Zverev apologized for his demeanour in the Mexican Open. “It is difficult to put into words how much I regret my behaviour during and after the doubles match yesterday. I have privately apologised to the chair umpire because my outburst towards him was wrong and unacceptable,” he said.
With the Russia-Ukraine situation getting worse every second, Alexander Zverev was asked in an interview by the German Tennis Association about the difficulty he faces, having to play under such stressful times with the war being waged in Ukraine. For this, the German replied with the utmost concern.
“In these moments, you realize that tennis is not the most important thing in life. No matter which country you are from, we are all human beings who should live together peacefully.” His final point made was, “And sports can lead by example,” said Zverev. Not just him, all players felt that being an international sportsperson meant that one goes to different countries and irrespective of the opponent’s nationality, they play to win.
Alexander Zverev’s to play at the upcoming Davis Cup
“Playing for my home country is always very important to me, and I’m proud to represent Germany,” said Zverev. “Together with the team, I have the big goal of winning the Davis Cup one day. Whenever an opportunity arises, I’m happy to do my part.”
Last year, the German negatively commented. saying that the 2021 Davis Cup finals are not the “real Davis Cup. “Even if I criticized the new Davis Cup format, there might be an opportunity to play with the team in Germany again. That would be a big dream of mine,” added Zverev further.
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Varsha Srikumar
(135 Articles Published)