Alexander Zverev is fulfilling his childhood dream

Alexander Zverev couldn't hide his emotions after his home win in Hamburg. “I was born here, I grew up on the courts here and I held a tennis racket in my hand for the first time in Hamburg. This tournament is worth so much more than many ATP tournaments,” said the Olympic champion after his 7:5, 6:3 victory over the Serbian Laslo Djere. The 26-year-old fulfilled a childhood dream in the Hanseatic city. In 2014 and 2019 he reached the semi-finals of the clay court tournament worth 1,832 million euros. Now Zverev is the first German professional since Michael Stich 30 years ago to win the traditional tournament at Rothenbaum. On Sunday, Zverev thanked his partner Sophia Thomalla, his coaching team and, above all, his parents. “You deserve the victory more than anything else,” he said with emotion. Special thanks to girlfriend and parents The world number 17. also reminded of his long period of suffering. In June last year he suffered a serious foot injury at the French Open and was out for months. His last tournament win to date was in November 2021 at the ATP Finals in Turin. “It wasn't sure whether I would be able to get back to this level. “So thank you to everyone over the last twelve months,” emphasized Zverev. In Hamburg, of all places, he showed the best sporting tournament week in 2023. As furiously as the finale ended, it also began. Despite the hall roof being closed, a storm caused rain to enter the arena, which caused an interruption. However, the weather couldn't stop Zverev. With praise, he secured a 1:05 set win after 7:5 hours, even though his opponent Djere was on an equal footing. “Congratulations to Alexander for this incredible week,” said the 57th in the world rankings. In the second set, Zverev continued to play at the highest level and ultimately decisively took the serve game away from his opponent when the score was 4:3. The Hamburg player took advantage and won the match after 1:50 hours. Zverev dominated the tournament without losing a set. Rus stops Akugue Noma Noha Akugue was also successful. The 19-year-old newcomer made it to the final of her first WTA tournament and only failed there on Saturday against Arantxa Rus from the Netherlands. After the surprise coup, the German talent will climb from 207th place into the top 150 in the world rankings. “It was only in bed at night that I realized what I had achieved,” she said. The double victory of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz against the Belgians Sander Gille and Joran Veilen made the Hamburg tournament a German success story this time.

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Alexander Zverev is fulfilling his childhood dream

Alexander Zverev became the first German player since Michael Stich three decades ago to win the traditional tennis tournament at Hamburg's Rothenbaum on Sunday. Afterwards he let his feelings run wild.

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