Alexander Zverev heaped praise on Rafael Nadal, saying that overcoming him was always a tough ask.
Zverev and Nadal have played nine times since 2016’s Indian Wells. It has gone six wins to three the Spaniard’s favour, but three straight matches were won by the German since 2019, two of those on an indoor court.
At the Paris Masters last year, Zverev survived a thrilling game against Nadal to win 6-4, 7-5 and advance to the seventh Masters 1000 final. He seemed to have his number after that, as he overcame Rafa in another great match.
The match went to the 24-year-old, who reached the ATP finals for the third straight time. After the match, Zverev heaped praise on Nadal, and acknowledged the difficulty he faced to beat him.
“I had many chances in set number two, particularly at 4-2,” he said, as quoted by Tennis World USA.
“I failed to convert them, and those moments can turn the match around, especially against players like Rafa.
“I picked up my level at 4-5, and it all went well. I feel good, reaching the Masters 1000 final and beating Rafa; that is never easy to do, and all the players would agree with me. I have been playing well since the season restart, I would say.”
All smiles on court
The youngster also talked out how having fun playing the game was the most important thing in competitive sports.
“I’m happy to be on the court. Everything is good for me, and I’m satisfied with my tennis,” he continued.
“I hope it will remain that way. As long as you still have a smile at the end of the day, I think that’s the most important in life.”
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