"If only he had been so careful with his girlfriends": Fans react to Alexander Zverev holding back from smashing his racket in Cincinnati Open SF loss
Alexander Zverev restraining himself from smashing his racket during his semifinal clash at the 2024 Cincinnati Open has caught the attention of tennis fans. The German took on Jannik Sinner in a closely contested battle for a place in the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Although Zverev entered the match with a four-match winning streak against the World No. 1, Sinner showcased his resilience by claiming a hard-fought 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4) victory in three hours and seven minutes.
Apart from the thrilling clash, fans' attention was drawn to Alexander Zverev denying himself an outlet for his visible frustration. Having lost the opening set, the World No. 4's irritation grew when he failed to break Sinner's serve in the second set.
After sending a backhand into the net, the German made a gesture as if to smash his racket, but stopped himself and instead placed it delicately on the court. Later in the same game, following another unforced error, Zverev gently threw his racket on the floor rather than destroying it.
Given that Alexander Zverev has been accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend Olgo Sharypova, as well as the mother of his daughter Brenda Patea, several fans suggested the World No. 4 treats inanimate objects better than his partners.
"Shows more restraint with inanimate objects than with people. Heh," one fan commented.
"Good to know that he treats his rackets better than his women," another fan chimed in.
"If only he had been so careful with his girlfriends," said another.
One fan even claimed that the German's restraint was influenced by his awareness of how an angry outburst would be perceived in light of his domestic abuse allegations.
"He absolutely knows how - based on his reputation - any outbursts of anger would immediately be perceived," the fan argued.
"I’d rather he smashes his racket then taking his anger out on a human being…," another fan wrote.
Others, meanwhile, took a more lighthearted view of the situation, commenting on the hilarity of Zverev attempting to rein in his emotions.
"I know we all hate Zverev or whatever, but these reactions are both genuinely hilarious," one fan quipped.
"Can’t stand Zverev but this made me laugh," a fan commented.
"I want to believe he got inspired by evil Sinner," another fan joked.
Alexander Zverev set to be back in action at US Open 2024 after Cincinnati Open SF exit
Following his win over Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner will square off against Frances Tiafoe in the 2024 Cincinnati Open final. Tiafoe battled past Holger Rune 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4) to book his place in his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final.
Zverev, meanwhile, will be back in action at the US Open, resuming his quest to clinch his first Grand Slam title. The German fell just short against Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final earlier this year.
Zverev's campaign at last year's US Open ended in a devastating straight-sets loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. The World No. 4 will aim to deliver a stronger performance on his return to Flushing Meadows, having previously reached the final of the New York Major in 2020.