Over the years covering pro tennis I’ve had numerous close encounters and memories with Alexander Zverev and all of them were positive and memorable.
The first was at the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open seeing him compete as a 15 year old wildcard into qualies. He was ranked 827 and becoming known as a top junior and Australian Open boys champion. In Sarasota he beat Jason Kubler in qualies 64 in the third set with his brother Mischa watching and coaching. The takeaway observation was how cool Mischa was during the tight closing moments – he knew already his kid brother could handle this level and was not out of his league. Alexander had two double faults in the final game but still held on for the win. After the match Zverev was asked for an autograph from a tennis fan in his 70s who simply said, “I would like your autograph.” The kid obliged his elderly supporter.
Zverev played Sarasota Open twice as a teen but never won a main draw match. In 2014 he won three quali rounds vs. Fratangelo, Kubler, Altamirano but lost in main draw first round to Donald Young 46 57. Though he lost, the talent was evident.
Next encounter was at Citi Open 2015 in Washington DC. Zverev was still really young but rising up the ranks at world no. 96. He was playing in the afternoon on an outer court, the smallest court at the venue, second round vs Kevin Anderson, then ranked 14. Though he was really young, he did attract some famous figures to see him play. Belinda Bencic and Kiki Mladenovic were interested onlookers and obvious fans of the young golden boy who beat Anderson 64 in the third set. Zverev reached the QF that year, falling to Marin Cilic.
It may have been that same year I was in Washington’s Chinatown and saw the whole Zverev clan, parents, Alexander and Mischa walking around one late afternoon like tourists.
I don’t remember the exact year but I did get a chance to do a Biofile with Zverev at Citi Open. He was top 10 and waiting outside the media tent awaiting his press conference after an afternoon match win, while another player was doing their media duties. While most of the media was in the tent with the other player, Zverev sat on a stool outside the tent with just a PR woman – in other words a perfect opportunity to do a spontaneous Biofile interview. And he kindly agreed to do it, and it came out excellent. He was a perfect gentleman, friendly, smiling, engaging and even seemed to enjoy doing the interview. There was not even a faint hint of any arrogance, cockiness, irritation. Just a basic, regular, down to earth, likable young man… and future Grand Slam and Olympic gold medal champion.
Next was at US Open when he was an established star in the top 30. I was doing a Biofile with Tommy Paul who had just won a qualis match. We were in the Ashe Stadium player lounge area and Paul gave a fist bump during our interview to a player who walked by behind me. Paul smiled at the acknowledgement from whoever it was so I was curious who it was and glanced to notice it was that unmistakable slow walk amble gait of Zverev. I did not know they were buddies. It showed Zverev is a cool guy, even with rivals from his junior days. He respects all the players and they respect him.
Also another indicated of Zverev’s character is that he has a best friend on theTour – Brazilian veteran Marcelo Melo. They have played doubles together for years and Melo is often at his matches supporting him. Very few other players have close loyal friendships with other players the way Zverev and Melo have a long time connection. This also reflects the quality character of Zverev.
There has been a lot of anti Zverev propaganda from the rotten side of the tennis which brutally tried to assassinate his character and ruin his reputation for inexplicable motives. The accuser never filed a police report and only told her bogus story a year later to the most biased, rotten reporter of all. The court system exonerated Zverev who won his defamation lawsuit.
No Zverev is a Grand Slam champion and one of the most popular figures in the sport. It’s wonderful to see the redemption of a great champion – and that the fake news agendas against him failed miserably.
adidas · Alexander Zverev · ATP · Head
