"The last 2 years have been extremely difficult" - Alexander Zverev on winning his biggest title at Italian Open 2024 after horror ankle injury
Alexander Zverev won a close encounter against Nicolas Jarry to win the 2024 Italian Open. This is his first Masters 1000 trophy in three years. Visibly emotional, the German recalled his ankle injury from the past and had a special message for his team.
In the first set, both players held serve until 4-4, but Zverev pulled ahead to win it 6-4. The second set was even closer, with the score tied at 5-5; however, Zverev demonstrated his superiority to secure the set and ultimately claim the title. The German previously won the Italian Open title in 2017.
During his victory speech, Alexander Zverev reflected on the ankle injury he sustained during the 2022 French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal. He disclosed that he wasn't sure if he would come back on court, and thanked his team for their support. He was quoted as saying:
"The last two years have been extremely difficult. Coming from an injury that I didn't know whether I was ever gonna be on this stage regardless of winning or losing so this moment is extremely special. The first people that I want to thank is my team because without them the last two years I don't know where I would be, I would definitely not be a champion here."
Zverev tore three ligaments in his right ankle in the semifinal clash against Rafael Nadal.
Alexander Zverev's last Masters 1000 title came in the 2021 Cincinnati Open when the German defeated Andrey Rublev in the summit clash. Notably, this is Zverev's 22nd ATP Tour title.
Alexander Zverev wanted to win his first Masters 1000 event after injury in Italy
Following his semifinal victory over Alejandro Tabilo, Zverev expressed his happiness at the prospect of winning a Masters 1000 event in Rome following his extensive recovery journey. He also praised the city, saying he greatly enjoys spending time there.
"If Rome is the place for firsts for me, then I'm happy about that. My first Masters 1000, as you said, as a 20-year-old was here. If this is my first Masters 1000 after the injury, I'm happy about that, as well. Especially, at a place that I really love. Even outside of tennis, it's a city that I absolutely love and enjoy. So, yeah, if that's the case, I would be more than happy about that." Zverev said in a press conference.
The 27-year-old is set to participate in the French Open. Following his triumph at the Italian Open, he is considered one of the favorites for Roland Garros, especially with injury worries plaguing competitors like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
His triumph in the Italian Open will see him surpass Daniil Medvedev in the ATP rankings, securing the No. 4 spot.