Arrogance unbridled: Alexander Zverev?

Alexander Zverev seemed to be playing a routine match in Toronto against Stefanos Tstitsipas. Leading 6-3, 5-2, Zverev was on his way to the semifinals and a step closer to defend his title from 2017. However, it was not to be. Tstitsipas mounted a spectacular comeback to steal the match at 3-6, 7-6 (11), 6-4, reaching his first semifinal at a masters event and also breaking the top 20. Sascha’s statement of “pathetic play all around” has led to some controversy.

The Greek native’s rise has been meteoric, going from playing challengers and qualifiers just a few months ago to breaking the top 20. What’s perhaps odder is that he is yet to win a title, despite (now) reaching 2 finals.

Tsitsipas’ rise has been similar to Sascha’s: Similar age of breakthrough, beating top players with ease, explosive game and a warrior’s mentality. One thing that seems to be different is that Zverev’s attitude seems to be negative and he’s more prone to tantrums than similarly aged counterparts.

This is not an isolated incident. Every loss has a press conference followed with “I don’t think I played well today” or “I made too many errors”. While that may be true (and in some cases, one feels obliged to agree with Zverev), his presser after his quarterfinal loss was a tad bit tasteless. An excerpt from it:

“I don’t think he played that well. I think the match was absolutely pathetic on all levels. I’m very honest with you guys (press). Today was an absolute pathetic match I don’t even think he played well”

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Incredulous?

There’s a lot of information to process before making a judgement of his statement which allows putting things into perspective. Firstly, Zverev absolutely destroyed Tsitsipas barely a week ago in Washington and seemed to be in the same trajectory in Toronto with a set and 5-2 lead. To squander that and lose the match is something that’ll be incredibly difficult to come to terms with. Remember, players like Zverev are some of the most competitive players on the planet. They hate losing matches, especially the ones that were right in their fingertips.

Secondly, this interview was a few minutes after their match. People say things at the heat of the moment. Remember when Djokovic was so furious after his Roland Garros Quarterfinal and said he wasn’t sure if he would play on grass? Well.

Everyone has their outbursts. Was this in good taste? Absolutely not. One could say it’s even slightly insulting to Stefanos. However, seeing that Tsitsipas isn’t exactly a slouch either when it comes to having a competitive spirit, expect a reaction or something from him.

Hey, it could also be the start of a great rivalry. A proper one like Agassi-Sampras, where both parties have a few jabs here and there.