Zverev describes his improvable experience at the Paris Olympic Games

Mónica Barberán Munera | 9 Aug 2024 | 15.30

Alexander Zverev at the ATP Montreal 2024. Photo: Getty

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Alexander Zverev started the ATP Montreal in the best way after defeating Jordan Thompson and dropping just two games along the way. Thus, the second seed demonstrates that the transition from clay courts at the Olympic Games to hard courts hasn't been so bad. A gold medalist at Tokyo 2020, the German discussed his experience this year in Paris and detailed how the conditions were better four years ago than in the neighboring country. The food or the heat in the Olympic Village rooms are probably the worst part of that experience for Sascha. Still, Zverev gains a great experience after meeting great athletes he admires like Simone Biles.

- Challenging transition from clay in Paris to hard courts

"It's a very quick change. It was a fast flight from Paris to here, six hours of time difference, the switch from clay courts to hard courts... So I think that's why the results today and this week so far have been a bit strange for people from the outside, but there are reasons for that happening. For people who were at the Olympics and went further, it's a quick and tough change for them. It's not easy, but I'm very happy with today's level, hoping I can keep improving," said Zverev in an interview for Tennis Channel.

- His experience at the Olympic Village... Does he favor Tokyo 2020?

"I prefer Tokyo, I prefer winning the gold, obviously, but it's always special to be part of an Olympic Games. This year was peculiar because it was at Roland Garros, a place we all know very well. But at the same time, it was very different. Unfortunately, the Olympic Village was not the best, I have to admit. I stayed there, as did the entire German team, our federation made us do it. We struggled a bit with the food and sleeping conditions. There was also no air conditioning in the rooms, which was tough for me, but it was the same for everyone, so I won't complain. In that sense, I think Tokyo was much better, and the organization was also much better. Still, it was a great experience to be there with all the athletes; it was fun to be back at the Olympic Village. But winning is always the most fun part, and this time I didn't achieve it."

- Who impressed him in Paris?

"Simone Biles, actually. Just seeing her in the Village, she's a legend. I also saw Serena, but they're all people I know. I see Carlos or Novak every week, but Simone Biles is someone I've seen from the outside. I also saw Noah Lyles; some of the Americans are great athletes. Our basketball team was there, which was a lot of fun. At the opening ceremony, I was impressed by the people. But it's interesting because we tennis players obviously are together every week and see each other weekly, but I think for other athletes, seeing tennis players is also very special. I think Carlos, Novak, and I also received a lot of attention. It was curious because for us, it's normal, we see each other every two weeks. But for other athletes, tennis is a global sport that everyone follows."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev describe su mejorable experiencia en los Juegos Olímpicos de París