When the best eight in the world meet at the ATP Finals in 2023, there will be no easy group. Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev (26) starts tomorrow (2.30 p.m., Sky live) against Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz (20/Spain). Then follow the Russians Daniil Medvedev (27) and Andrey Rublev (26). BILD on SUNDAY: They recently won the tournament in Chengdu in China, but things didn’t go so well after that. They said you were sick.ALEXANDER ZVEREV (26): Yes, I’m feeling great again now. I had something with my lungs, an exercise-induced asthma, as it’s called. I have to take medication until mid-December, then hopefully it will be ok. In Beijing, right after Chengdu, I was sick, but felt somewhat okay, despite the fact that I also had a cold. Afterwards the cold got better, but I felt like I couldn’t breathe on the pitch. +++ BILD is now also on WhatsApp – you can try out the new channel here +++After embarrassing appearance in Stuttgart, devastating BVB verdict in the TV studio Source: BILD November 11, 2023 You said at the US Open that if you qualified for the ATP Finals, you would have had a great year. Now you are here in Turin. Can you play freely now that the goal has already been achieved? Well, I still want to win, that’s clear. But you have to be realistic. I’m back after seven months of injury, but I haven’t won a Grand Slam tournament or a Masters. Nevertheless, I will be among the top eight in 2023, and I can be proud of that.Read also Did you always believe in taking part in the World Cup?Before the French Open, I was ranked 27th in the world. My mind wasn’t anywhere near Turin. The fact that I managed to do that in half a season is quite satisfying. Who do you think is the favorite in Turin? I have to say Novak (Djokovic; editor). He has won everything in the last few weeks. But ultimately there is no one here who can’t play tennis. Alexander Zverev won the 2021 ATP Finals against Daniil Medvedev. It was his second World Cup success after 2018 Photo: Getty Images Isn’t it surprising that someone is still in such good shape at 36? He looks like he’s 25. I think he’ll continue to play like that for the next few years. You trained in Turin with the Dane Holger Rune, whose coach is Boris Becker. How do you see his return to operational business? I’m happy that he’s back on tour, I like seeing him and having him with me everywhere. We have good contact. We’ll see the rest. I can’t say much about this connection, they’ve only been together for what feels like two weeks. It’s like freshly in love.The best eight of 2023: From left Holger Rune, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev Photo: Getty Images At the turn of the year, United rises in Australia Cup. They are starting with Angelique Kerber, who is making her comeback after her maternity leave. What do you think of her? You have to see that she wasn’t hurt. Pregnancy is something different. When she’s fit, she’s still one of the best in the world. But when you’re out for a year and a half, it’s not easy to come back. I spoke to her, she is already training very, very hard and is already fully prepared. It’s going to be good! Is there hope for the Kerber/Zverev double at the Olympics in Paris after she had to withdraw injured before Tokyo? We haven’t even talked about it yet. But we will do that in Australia. The Olympics are one hundred percent my big goal.Alexander Zverev would like to compete in mixed doubles with Angelique Kerber at the 2024 Olympics Photo: Frank Molter/dpa More important than a Grand Slam victory? You already have Olympic gold. I’ve always said that the Olympics are the greatest thing that can happen in a sports career. For me this is something special. Many factors play a role in Paris: It’s in Europe, who carries the flag is a huge issue for me too. There is no greater honor. Also interesting Advertisement Also interesting Advertisement A dream of yours? An unbelievable dream for me! That in itself is something I would be really happy about. But first, let’s go to the hairdresser, right? The bet with your friend Sophia Thomalla is now running out after a year. When I get back from Turin, it’s time (laughs). I don’t think it’s that bad. Everyone is talking about it, so I would almost rather keep my hair again. But at some point everyone will kill me if I don’t cut it off. His greatest success: Alexander Zverev with Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021 Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa How short can my hair be? Maybe I’ll come to Australia bald. You would all be amazed! I don’t have to ask anyone how much I cut them off. I’ll decide that alone. Is your girlfriend coming to Turin? No, she has to work. She has adopted a format similar to the “Jenke experiment” on RTL. This weekend was the Wok World Cup, then she is a guest on a few more shows. So it’s a full calendar.Alexander Zverev is currently number 8 in the world and wants to be number 1 in 2024 Photo: Michel Euler/dpa ★ About the penalty order that Alexander Zverev received after ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea reported him, accusing him of mistreatment , he is not allowed to comment on the advice of his lawyers. As long as the proceedings continue, the presumption of innocence applies.
2023-11-12 05:01:57
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