German tennis sensation Alexander Zverev has once again stirred controversy with his recent dismissive comments about the mental aptitudes of athletes, which have sparked huge backlash within the tennis community. Known for his volatile reputation, Zverev took the center stage after his recent win on clay and spewed statements about what athletes are capable of mentally, which did not sit well with his peers, including ex-WTA player Alize Cornet.
Alexander Zverev is known for his flamboyant persona, which, for the most part, has only invited trouble for the German star on social media. From taking potshots at a YouTube channel for not highlighting his contributions to making controversial comments about athletes in general, Zverev has conveniently found a way to keep the world of tennis divided.
Zverev recently beat Jakub Menšík 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and made it to the Roland Garros final. After the match, Zverev spoke to Alex Corretja, and when asked about how he deals with the relentless pressure of performing on big stages, the German dismissed the stress, citing how he keeps himself from overthinking. Unfortunately, he also generalized the attitude as something all athletes do.
“Pure emptiness, there’s absolutely nothing in my head and to be honest we’re athletes, so very few of us have anything in our head anyways, so sometimes it’s easier to be stupid and not to think to much,” said Zverev.
While his comments attracted laughter from the crowd present at Court Philippe-Chatrier, France’s own WTA icon Alizé Cornet decided to give the German a blistering response in defense of her fellow athletes:
“The uselessness of this statement. Saying that athletes have nothing in their skulls. Let him speak for himself, but don’t lump us all into the same bag. It’s a huge lack of respect for the players and for the athletes.”
Cornet also highlighted how disrespectful it becomes when such statements are said aloud in the presence of a packed crowd:
“Seriously, it’s crazy when you think about it, to say that on centre court. It’s such a lack of respect for the players, for the athletes.”
Amidst all this noise, Zverev will next square off against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli for the title on Sunday in Paris.
Alexander Zverev Talks About Facing Friend Cobolli in the Finals
Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli fought their way through a historic Roland-Garros that was packed with thrills and surprises at every corner. After the win over Mensik on Friday, Zverev shifted his focus to the upcoming final during his press conference and spoke about what it means to face Cobolli for the French Open title.
“I will serve 76% Serve on Sunday. No, he’s a great player, a great guy, I like him, I like his dad a lot, for me, very very good people, just generally and I look forward to playing him in the finals,” said Zverev.
It’s a first Grand Slam final for Flavio Cobolli but a fourth one for Germany’s Zverev, who currently holds a career 3-1 record against the 24-year-old Cobolli.
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