Alexander Zverev Says ‘Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Have to Retire Some Day’ Following their Absence at US Open 2021

The countdown to the season finale is almost finished, with the US Open just around the corner. New York’s finest courts get ready to witness its most fierce battles as a new generation of stars prepare to take over the sport. With legends of the game, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, out of this year’s tournament, the spotlight shifts to the likes of Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and other uprising talents.

In a rather unfortunate series of events, both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal withdrew from the remainder of the 2021 season, citing injury concerns. Undoubtedly, fans mourn their absence as it marks the beginning to the end of an era. However, the sport is in safe hands with players like Alexander Zverev leading from the front.

Speaking about the same, Germany’s golden boy opens up on his fellow Gen Z stars and the rivalry they share. He draws links to the ‘G.O.A.T’s, while discussing the similar impact he and his compatriots will have someday.

A new dawn is over the horizon

Alexander Zverev has been remarkable throughout this season. Notably, his gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has made him an instant fan-favorite. He walks into the flushing meadows on the back of another victorious campaign at the Western and Southern Open. Hence, rightly so, he is among the stellar talents that are beginning to dominate the tennis talk.

Ahead of his US Open campaign, the 24-year-old opens up on the absence of the two greats. He also highlights the takeover by the new generation. He said, “We all miss them. We all love them, but at some point, they will have to retire.”

“I think the Cincinnati tournament and I think other tournaments this year also show that the competition and the rivalry that we have, the younger guys, I think the top 4 and the top 5 guys. with Medvedev, Tsitsipas, myself, Rublev, and Berrettini, we’re having great battles and we’re having very entertaining matches.”

Aug 21, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Alexander Zverev (GER) stands at the net with Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) after a semifinal match during the Western and Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

“And I think a lot of tennis fans look forward to those match-ups and I think in the future this will be no different. In Grand slam finals, in grand slam semifinals, those matches will get more often and more common and I think that’s also exciting to watch that,” he added.

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Can Alexander Zverev make it three in a row?

Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, title at the Western and Southern Open, what’s next for the German youngster? Courtesy of his fine form, Alexander is one of the favorites to taste victory at the US Open. However, in his way stands the mighty Serbian Novak Djokovic.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 2 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 26, 2021. Alexander Zverev of Germany in action during his second round match against Daniel Galan of Colombia REUTERS/Mike Segar

Potential semi-finalist yet again, Alexander will have to beat Novak once more to make it to the finals. The World No.1 will battle it out for a Calendar Grand Slam. However, the Olympic gold medalist will be fighting for his first Grand Slam. Who do you think has a better shot at going all the way in New York?

Read more: “Not Here to Let Him Win”: Daniil Medvedev Issues Stern Warning to Novak Djokovic for US Open 2021

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