'Nothing Compares': Zverev Routs Khachanov To Win Olympic Gold
Muhammad Irfan Published August 01, 2021 | 05:10 PM
Tokyo, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Alexander Zverev said that "nothing is bigger" than winning an Olympic gold medal after brushing aside Karen Khachanov to take the men's singles title in Tokyo on Sunday.
The fourth seed, who ended Novak Djokovic's Golden Grand Slam bid in the semi-finals, produced a dominant display to win 6-3, 6-1 after just 79 minutes at the Ariake Tennis Park.
"There is nothing better than this," said Zverev, who fell to the ground in celebration after clinching the win.
The world number five becomes only the second German to win an Olympic singles gold after Steffi Graf in 1988, while Boris Becker and Michael Stich took the men's doubles crown four years later.
Zverev is still waiting for a maiden Grand Slam title after several near misses, including when he blew a two-set lead to lose to Dominic Thiem in last year's US Open final.
"To be honest, I don't want to talk about the next Grand Slam right now," he said when asked if his Olympic success could help him go one better at Flushing Meadows next month.
"I just won the Olympic Games and I think there's nothing bigger than winning the Olympic Games." The 24-year-old said this victory trumps his 2018 ATP Finals triumph and his four Masters titles.
"I can't compare it because this is so much bigger than anything else in sports, especially in tennis," Zverev added.
"Yes, I've won the World Tour Finals, but I think, to be honest, a gold medal at the Olympics, for me, the value is incredible because you're not only playing for yourself, you're playing for your whole country." Khachanov had continued his return to form in Tokyo from recent weeks after reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals, but this match proved a step too far.
"He played I think an outstanding match. He was just better today, all credit to him," said the silver medallist.
A small crowd of locals gathered to protest against the staging of the Tokyo Olympics outside the venue at the start of the match, after a surge of Covid-19 cases in Japan.
"We all heard it, it was quite loud," said Zverev. "I think the whole world will be quite happy that this event (Olympics) is going on.
"I think sports, in the time we're living in right now, is not only nice to have, but it's necessary." - Irrepressible Zverev - Zverev made short work of the final, crushing six aces and 16 winners past his overwhelmed opponent.
He struck first blood with a break in the third game and then importantly saved a break point to take a 4-2 lead.
Zverev did not let up the pressure from there and brought up a set point in the ninth game, and although Khachanov recovered initially, a successful review gave Zverev a second chance.
He capped an excellent opening set as Khachanov sent a stretching volley spinning into the tramlines.
Khachanov, the world number 25, may have hoped for some respite from the other side of the net early in the second set, but a blistering backhand winner up the line gave Zverev a hold to love.
The 25-year-old Khachanov's gold-medal hopes were all but ended as Zverev's brilliant backhand helped him into a 4-0 advantage as he broke for a second time in the second set following a gruelling rally.
A hold to love put Zverev on the brink of gold, and he held his nerve with some big serving -- his gold medal confirmed on a first match point as Khachanov hit the net.
Earlier on Sunday, Czechs Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova added the women's doubles gold to their 2021 French Open title.
Krejcikova, who also won the Roland Garros singles earlier this year, and Siniakova beat Swiss pair Belinda Bencic and Viktorija Golubic 7-5, 6-1.
The defeat meant Bencic missed out on a second gold after winning the singles on Saturday.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Finance Minister rules out rupee devaluation in talks with IMF
National team determined for good performance against New Zealand: Babar Azam
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 18 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 18 April 2024
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago