"A lot of times it's very shaky...it's great to still have him around" - Alexander Zverev on his relationship with his father
Alexander Zverev opened up about his relationship with his father and coach Alexander Zverev Sr. after winning the 2024 Italian Open. The German defeated Nicolas Jarry in straight sets in the summit clash.
Zverev, who had been struggling to convert his deep runs in tournaments into titles, finally clinched the first title of the season at the Italian Open. He ousted the likes of Aleksander Vukic, Luciano Darderi, Nuno Borges, Taylor Fritz, Alejandro Tabilo, and Jarry to win his sixth Masters 1000 title.
During the post-match press conference, Zverev was told that his father was in tears after he won the title to which the German joked that he always cries.
He was then asked how important a role his father played in his career and his life to which Zverev said that a father is always an important figure in one's life. He also acknowledged that his father played a huge role in his career.
The 27-year-old mentioned how when family members coach the players, it usually leads to friction, but he said he was lucky to have a great relationship with his father on and off the court.
"Yeah, look, life in general, I think a father is always important, no matter who it is. Somebody's who is there. Obviously in my career super important. It's funny because we actually have a great relationship, which is not always the case, a father-son, father-daughter relationship when they're coaching them as well. You see it a lot of times, it's very shaky. But we have a great relationship outside, as well," Zverev said.
He also said that he would love have his dad around as his coach for as long as possible.
"It's great to still have him around. I'm going to have him around as long as he wants to, yeah."
"There was obviously a lot of uncertainties whether I was going to be back at this level" - Alexander Zverev on winning his first Masters 1000 after his injury
Alexander Zverev continued his thoughts, mentioning how the Italian Open was his first Masters 1000 title after his injury at the 2022 French Open and admitted that there were a lot of uncertainties around him making it back to the top which he was happy to prove wrong.
"It's obviously a special moment for all of us, given the circumstances that this is my first Masters after the injury. There was obviously a lot of uncertainties whether I was going to be back at this level. I'm happy that the week went the way it went."
Alexander Zverev will overtake his rival Daniil Medvedev to become the new World No. 4 and head into the French Open next.