French Open: Alexander Zverev 'felt like I had won the tournament' after beating Rafael Nadal in opener
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Published 30/05/2024 at 16:38 GMT
Alexander Zverev followed up his thrilling win over Rafael Nadal by beating David Goffin in the French Open second round, but admitted that the aftermath to ousting the 14-time champion wasn't easy. "I felt like I had won the tournament," Zverev said of his victory over Nadal. "I had to calm myself down, ground myself and get back to work."
Zverev thanks 'electric' crowd as he reacts to aftermath of beating Nadal
Alexander Zverev said he “felt like I already won the tournament” after ousting Rafael Nadal in the first round of the French Open and explained how he needed to “calm down and ground myself” after an emotional opening victory in Paris.
The fourth seed’s clash with the 14-time champion was the undisputed blockbuster highlight of the first-round draw, and it delivered on the hype.
Zverev claimed victory in straight sets, but it was a hard-fought encounter where Nadal showed glimpses of his vintage best in possibly his final Roland-Garros appearance.
The German went on to eliminate David Goffin, again in straight sets, in round two on Thursday, and explained how the feverish excitement around his opening match had impacted him.
“Even before the match there were so many nerves, so much talk going on,” Zverev said.
“Since the draw came out the only thing the tennis world was talking about was that match, and rightly so.
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French Open highlights - Zverev downs Goffin after beating Nadal in opener
“He won the tournament 14 times so he deserves all the credit, respect and acknowledgements that he gets.
“So after I beat him, I felt like I already won the tournament!”
Zverev still has a long way to go if he is to claim a career-first major crown in Paris, but he is considered among the favourites after strong recent form.
The 27-year-old claimed the Rome Masters title in the final ATP 1000 event before Roland-Garros and has started as he means to go on in Paris with two impressive wins.
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'Contender' Zverev beats Goffin in straight sets to reach third round
Looking back on the high of becoming just the third player to beat Nadal at the French Open, Zverev explained how he had to remind himself of what still lay ahead.
“In the end it’s only the first round so you have to focus for another two weeks almost,” Zverev said.
“I was happy that I had two days off, because emotionally I had to calm myself down, ground myself and get back to work.
“I’m extremely happy with the level today, and hopefully I can continue playing like this.”
Next up for the German is a clash with Italy’s Luciano Darderi or No. 26 seed Tallon Griekspoor.
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French Open highlights - Zverev defeats Nadal in emotional occasion for Spanish legend
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