Carlos Alcaraz has quizzed Alexander Zverev about what was going through his mind when he served for the US Open title in New York earlier this month, after the German appeared unaware he had won the championship.
Zverev secured his first title at Flushing Meadows with a four-set victory over American Ben Shelton on September 13. However, after Shelton hit long on championship point, Zverev returned to the baseline as if he was preparing for another game.
Speaking to Zverev as Team Europe prepared for the Laver Cup on Tuesday, Alcaraz said he could not understand what was happening when he watched the moment at home.
“I was watching at home, and I was like, ‘what the heck? ,” said the Spaniard.
Zverev explained that he had lost track of the score during the tense closing stages of the match.
“I thought it was 4-1,” Zverev said after Alcaraz quizzed him about the moment.
“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.
The victory over Shelton gave Zverev his first US Open title and marked a major moment in his career.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, exited the tournament in the quarter-finals before joining Zverev and the rest of Team Europe for the Laver Cup.
Team Europe, captained by Yannick Noah, are attempting to reclaim the Laver Cup after losing last year’s edition to Team World in San Francisco.
The three-day event begins on Friday in London and will feature Zverev, Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik and Rafael Jodar for Team Europe.
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