“Now starts a different tournament” – Zverev focused on tournament after seismic win over Nadal

The German ranks this victory among some of his best, but is keen to stress that the tournament has not been won

Alexander Zverev beats Nadal at 2024 Roland-Garros Gepa / Panoramic

Tennis Majors

May 27, 2024

Roland Garros •First round • completed

See draw

A. ZverevvsR. Nadal

Alexander Zverev may have just achieved one of the most difficult feats in tennis, but his focus remains firmly on the bigger picture.

The German acknowledged in his post-match conference that today’s win over 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the first round of Roland-Garros was up there with some of his biggest ever victories.

“I think that the match against Novak at the Olympics is still up there. I think beating Federer and Djokovic back to back at the World Tour Finals is up there,” he said.

“But I think this is definitely one of the most special matches just atmosphere-wise and just occasion-wise.”

However, Zverev was quick to add that this victory only has wider significance in the context of his career if he goes on to win the tournament and claim his maiden Grand Slam title.

“Most significant? Look, I think if I end up winning the tournament, then maybe we could say yes or no,” he continued.

“I feel good on the court. I’m not going to lie. It is a place that I like to be at. For sure, two years ago the level of tennis was also extremely high when we played, but I do feel quite good.

“But again, I think we have to look further and look how I’m going to do at this tournament. I do feel like now starts a different tournament. I was preparing for that match, and I think everybody was preparing for that match since the draw came out as it was the final.

“But at the end of the day it was the first round, which is a weird circumstance. I think, you know, not only my whole world but I think that generally the whole tennis world since the draw came out was only talking about that one match.

“So it is definitely very, very different. But yeah, I know that I have to keep focusing. I know that I will play great players ahead still, and I have to focus on that.”