ROLAND GARROS

June 6, 2021

Alexander Zverev

Press Conference

A. ZVEREV/K. Nishikori

6-4, 6-1, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. When you reached the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2019, you had some long matches beforehand, tough challenges. How do you reflect on those experiences? How do you feel this year compared to the previous two times going into the quarters?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Look, I mean, it was very different because 2018 was my first-ever quarterfinal at a Grand Slam. It was kind of a different experience.

I'm very happy to be in a quarterfinals, but I think I was much, much happier in 2018, which was a problem. Also I think the long matches then ended up in an injury in the quarterfinals against Thiem.

Yeah, I mean, I'm here, but I obviously don't want to stop. I'm already thinking about the next match.

Q. Kei said he was quite surprised, amazed with your footwork and your defense and court covering. Can you talk about is that because you are good on running, footwork, or you can read the way Kei would hit?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: No, I mean, I don't read how Kei plays. I mean, we played a lot, so you know some patterns. But, yeah, for a tall guy I move okay. I mean, yeah, I'm not sure there's many guys or anybody quicker than me my size, to be honest.

If that answers your question, I don't know. I'm not reading Kei's game, but I did feel well today on court.

Q. (Indiscernible).

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Your microphone is very bad. I cannot hear anything.

THE MODERATOR: Try one more time.

Q. (Indiscernible).

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Did you understand?

THE MODERATOR: No, sorry. We can't hear you properly.

Q. It looked like you were having lots of fun out there tonight. I wanted to know when was the last time you were out having this much fun after 11:00 at night? What were you doing? What's the one thing that you need to do to make sure you're having fun on the court and winning next week?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I think playing well and winning helps. I think it's always more fun to win than to lose. But also the way you feel on court, when you feel like you're free and you're able to move well, able to do things well, it helps a lot.

So, yeah, I mean, as I said, I hope I continue playing the same way I did this match. Maybe even better. The opponents, as I said, now we're in the quarterfinals, there's only eight of us left, the opponents are not getting easier. You need to perform at your best, play at your best.

No matter who you're playing, they already won four matches. I'm looking forward to that, of course. I know it's not going to be any easier from this moment on.

Q. You're second German after Becker to make three quarterfinals in Roland Garros, which is some sort of satisfaction. Now you have Davidovich Fokina. Could have been worse. He's strong if he's in the last eight. But could be more difficult if you had Djokovic, Nadal or even maybe some Italian. What do you think about the Italians who are on the other side?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I mean, I have Davidovich Fokina for a reason. He won four matches, right? Let's give him some credit where they deserve credit. You cannot be a bad player and be in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.

Yeah, I mean, the Italians are playing well. I think I always speak very highly of Sinner. Sinner for me is one of the biggest talents that our sport has. I think Sinner and Alcaraz will stand out in the future out of the new generation. Yeah, I'm a big fan of them.

Okay, Musetti of course is playing great. I think he's making big steps forward, as well. But for me Sinner stands out.