ROLAND GARROS

May 27, 2024

Alexander Zverev

Press Conference

A. ZVEREV/R. Nadal

6-3, 7-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Sascha, how much did you enjoy the atmosphere out there? Where does it rank in the best moments of your career?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Well, winning tournaments is ranking the best, but it was special. It was definitely special. I didn't know how to act in certain moments, especially at the end of the match.

Obviously there is, you know, uncertainty whether he's going to come back and play next year. He's definitely going to be back for the Olympics. But generally, as just Roland Garros, obviously there is uncertainties.

I think the improvement he's made over the past few months and just the difference in level that he's played today compared to his last tournaments was unbelievable. I really felt like it was a very good match.

Yeah, I think if he stays healthy, he's going to continue playing better, and then I think, you know, he's going to be seeded again and then that makes it more easier for him, for sure.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. Is your level now higher than the French Open two years ago when you played against Rafa again? Is this the most significant win in your career so far?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I mean, look, I feel good on the court. I'm not going to lie. It is a place that I like to be at. For sure, two years ago the level of tennis was also extremely high when we played, but I do feel quite good.

Most significant? Look, I think if I end up winning the tournament, then maybe we could say yes or no. But at the end of the day, you know, I think that the match against Novak at the Olympics is still up there. I think beating Federer and Djokovic back to back at the World Tour Finals is up there.

But I think this is definitely one of the most special matches just atmosphere-wise and just occasion-wise. But again, I think we have to look further and look how I'm gonna do this tournament.

Q. On that, how proud are you of the way you handled the buildup, the expectation, and then getting on, the occasion of the crowd, everyone was for him, and just the way that you were able to execute that plan throughout the entire match?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah, but deservedly so, right? Everyone is cheering for him. He's won the tournament 14 times. For sure it is special for everyone, as I said, with the uncertainty of whether he's going to come back or not.

But I do feel like now starts a different tournament. I was preparing for that match, and I think everybody was preparing for that match since the draw came out as it was the final. But at the end of the day it was the first round, which is a weird circumstance.

I think, you know, not only my whole world but I think that generally the whole tennis world since the draw came out was only talking about that one match.

So it is definitely very, very different. But yeah, I know that I have to keep focusing. I know that I will play great players ahead still, and I have to focus on that.

Q. In the second round you could play David Goffin, who is going to start his tournament tomorrow. What can you say about him and that potential matchup, please?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I've had my difficulties over the years against him. For sure, a great player, has been struggling with injuries a little bit, so that's why his ranking dropped.

But yeah, another obviously great player. Very, very different to Rafa, of course. But again, I have to keep focusing on myself and I have to keep focusing on me playing well.

Q. Some news about your finger. You were suffering in Rome?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Yeah.

Q. Is it okay?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: It's still crooked. It's not straight.

Q. Does it prevent you from playing even better?

ALEXANDER ZVEREV: No, no. I tore my capsule, the middle capsule here, which it was a bit painful in Rome, but it's just pain. I didn't break any bones. I think I told you guys I did an x-ray straightaway in Rome. That showed it to me.

It's still a bit big. It's still not very straight. Not very pretty, but apart from that, it's fine.