Zverev reveals what he felt when facing Nadal for the last time at Roland Garros

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Becoming a Grand Slam champion was the great objective that Alexander Zverev had pursued throughout his career. He achieved it just a few weeks ago at Roland Garros, where he lifted his first major title. However, far from getting carried away by the excitement, the German is already focused on Wimbledon, where he will seek to extend his great form on a surface that has historically been the most challenging for him.

Before making his debut at the All England Club, Zverev appeared before the media and shared reflections on his triumph in Paris, memories of his last match against Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros, his goal to continue growing on grass, and the incident he experienced with his glucose sensor during the Parisian tournament. He also talked about how he is coping with the pressure of finally winning a Grand Slam.

Zverev reveals what has changed in his life after winning Roland Garros

"I think people always assume that when you win a Grand Slam, your life changes in some way. I've realized that, in reality, it doesn't change that much. I still enjoy the same things off the court. I love playing golf with my friends or taking my daughter to the playground. Those things remain constant. Of course, there is immense satisfaction within me because it was something I had fought for throughout my career. But beyond that, life goes on. Two weeks later, we are already at Wimbledon preparing for the next Grand Slam."

How do you handle the excitement of facing top players like the 'Big Three'?

"The first time I played against one of them was... Well, I think it was against Rafa in Indian Wells. I'm not entirely sure anymore. I was very nervous and couldn't control my emotions. The first time is always tough. The second is a bit easier, and from the third or fourth, you start to see them simply as rivals. When you are young and moving up in the rankings, all you're trying to do is find a way to beat them. They are players you admired since childhood, but you have to set that aside and focus solely on what you can do on the court to defeat them. In the end, that's why you are there."

How did you experience the match against Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros 2024?

"Serena had been off the circuit for almost four years, while Rafa had only been out of competition for a few months and still maintained a very high level, even though he wasn't a seeded player. Both of us approached that match with the mindset to win and then try to conquer the tournament. I didn't want to face Rafa in the first round. I don't think anyone wants to play against Rafa in the first round. But I did want to face him again at Roland Garros for what happened in 2022, to put that memory behind and create a new one, whether I won or lost. After the match, I was very happy that we could finally play."

What happened with the glucose sensor?

"The company is investigating it. Honestly, it may seem worse than it actually was. I have been using that sensor for over ten years, I think eleven, and it's the first time something like this has happened. Unfortunately, it occurred during a match when I was already physically exhausted, and the level of fatigue was too high. It happened only once in over a decade. It continues to be an extremely useful tool for anyone with diabetes, making our lives much simpler. It was a very unfortunate situation for me, but it remains a product that helps millions of diabetic patients."

Do you think Wimbledon could be the perfect opportunity to string together another great result?

"Hopefully, that saying will also apply to me. Wimbledon has always been the Grand Slam where I have faced the most difficulties. But this year, I feel different. I believe I have had a very good preparation, and I feel like I'm playing great tennis. I will do everything possible to show it on the court. That's the only thing I can control. Everything else will come later."

After finally achieving the major goal of his career, Zverev arrives at Wimbledon with a mix of tranquility and ambition. The German acknowledges that lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires has not changed his way of understanding tennis or his life off the courts, but it has allowed him to close a very important chapter. Now he approaches the London Grand Slam with the feeling of being better prepared than ever to translate his level to grass, the level that led him to win Roland Garros.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev revela lo que sintió al enfrentarse por última vez a Nadal en Roland Garros