Alexander Zverev: "Finish the season strong"
Defending champion Alexander Zverev arrived in Paris in top form after a successful campaign at the ATP 500 in Vienna. The German took advantage of Media Day to look back on the highlights of his season before taking part in the final sprint.
How do you feel coming in here defending your title?
Alexander Zverev : Well, if I defend my title, very well (smiling). But no, happy to be back in Paris. It's a place that is special to me, the city in general. Looking forward to get the tournament started tomorrow.
You always seem to finish the season well. What do you think that's a testament to when a lot of the other players are kind of getting burnt out at the end of a long season?
This year has been different because I was just not healthy for a long period of time, before Vienna and throughout the last couple of months. So for me, right now I'm just enjoying being healthy. That joy kind of maybe shows it on the tennis court. You know, a lot of the older guys can understand what I'm saying. It's such an underrated feeling playing pain-free (smiling). Right now I'm just enjoying myself on the court, and I hope I can continue showing the results that I did last week.
Which moment has made you the happiest this year?
I mean, winning the title on my birthday in Munich was quite a good moment for me. I think, even though I lost the final, Vienna was such a good step for me, being healthy, playing on a good level again, which I haven't done in a long time, so that one. Then I have to think back but there were some good moments. Also reaching the final of Australian Open was definitly a good moment. But yeah, I hope I can finish the season strong and next year will be better.
Despite the venue change, this tournament has always been known for the crowd and kind of the vibe. You have had some memorable matches against French players here. Is playing in that away environment, is that something you relish, the atmosphere?
I just enjoy playing in front of an atmosphere. Whether it's for me, of course it's always nicer when the fans are cheering for you, but I also enjoy it when the fans are cheering against you, because there is still energy there, there is still noise. There is, you know, crowd support. Whether it's for me or for somebody else, it's always nicer to play in big stadiums than small ones. It's something you always dreamed of as a kid. Yeah, living the dream is always nice.