ATP Alexander Zverev Ben Shelton

Zverev's "clash" with a journalist's question: "Whoever said that is an idiot"

Jose Morón - 24 Sep 2026
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Zverev and his reaction.

Alexander Zverev is in London this weekend for the Laver Cup. The German faced an unexpected question during the media presentation a few days after being crowned champion of the US Open two weeks ago. A journalist conveyed that some people had interpreted his comment towards Trinity Rodman, partner of Ben Shelton, during the post-final ceremony as a supposed flirtation. 

It all stems from Zverev's speech after defeating Shelton in New York. Rodman had played a match with her team, the Washington Spirit, hours earlier in Washington and then traveled to New York to support her partner, arriving at the Arthur Ashe Stadium during the latter part of the match.

Sascha wanted to publicly acknowledge that effort and, as a side note, introduced a small joke after defeating his opponent: “Trinity, I thought you had a match today, didn’t you? You’re the lucky charm. Not today, but usually yes.” Rodman reacted with laughter from the box.

However, that comment led to interpretations on social media, as could be expected. The German did not hide his confusion when asked about people online taking that phrase as an attempt to flirt with her.

“What? Of course not. I love Ben and his dad. Whoever said that is an idiot”, Sascha replied firmly.

 

 

It’s curious that a journalist, present at the Laver Cup, wastes precious time and a question on a double Grand Slam champion this year with something like that. Sascha reacted too well given the strangeness of the question. 

 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El "encontronazo" de Zverev ante la pregunta de un periodista: "Quien haya dicho eso es un idiota"