‘What the heck?‘: Alcaraz grills Zverev on ‘stupid’ US Open moment
Alexander Zverev has revealed to rival Carlos Alcaraz what was going through his head as he served for the US Open title in New York earlier this month - absolutely nothing.
Zverev secured his first title at Flushing Meadows with a four-set victory over Ben Shelton but returned to the baseline as if to prepare for another game after his American opponent hit long on championship point.
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates. AP
“I thought it was 5-1,” Zverev said after Alcaraz quizzed him about the moment as the Team Europe teammates prepared for the Laver Cup.
“If it were 5-2, I’d have been so nervous, for sure. There was completely nothing in my head. This is what helps, you know? When you’re stupid, it helps,” Zverev added with a laugh.
Alcaraz, who exited in the quarter-finals, said he could not understand what was going on.
“I was watching at home, and I was like, ’what the heck?,” said the Spaniard.
Team Europe, captained by Yannick Noah, are attempting to reclaim the Laver Cup after last year's defeat by Team World in San Francisco.
The three-day event begins on Friday in London and will also feature Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik and Rafael Jodar for the Europeans.
Andre Agassi’s Team World features Australia’s Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik and Francisco Cerundolo.
Shelton withdrew and was replaced by compatriot Nakashima, who will make his Laver Cup debut.
De Minaur is fresh from spearheading Australia’s Davis Cup win over Poland in Brisbane.
He lost in the second round at the US Open but has never lost a Laver Cup singles match and says he thrives in the team environment.
“I know the tennis is there, it hasn’t gone anywhere. I’ve just got to step up and keep doing what I’m doing,” the world No.9 said.
"It's a different environment and I think I thrive in these types on environments, team competitions. It's a little bit different to your day to day on tour.
"The pressure is different. I'd say it's probably more in team events because you're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for the boys around you and I think that brings out the best in me."
Watch every match of the Laver Cup, live and on demand, on Stan Sport. Starts on September 25
