Alexander Zverev’s Brother Reveals How ‘Wristband’ Played Big Role Against Novak Djokovic at Tokyo Olympics 2020

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been a whirlwind of a tournament so far. Even after an already eventful week, the drama did not stop, as the entertainment only doubled. However, as the semi-finals of the tennis event kick-started, only a few were prepared for what was about to follow. Playing for a golden slam, World No. 1, Novak Djokovic, donned the Serbian national colors and once again set out on his quest for gold. Termed unstoppable, he was undoubtedly the favorite to win the game. However, as a certain Alexander Zverev’s eyes were set on the prize, things were about to get feisty.

Coming on the back of emphatic wins, Novak Djokovic had been remarkable all throughout the season. Hence, going into the Summer Games, gold was inevitable for the Serbian. However, as Alexander Zverev stepped up to face the World No.1, he was about to break hearts and crush the dreams of millions, starting with Djokovic first.

The 24-year-old played the tennis of his life to beat the Serb, leaving fans all across the globe, stunned. While the world watched and wondered in despair, his brother revealed Alexander’s secret of how he pulled it off.

“Now he was going to turn it around”- Mischa Zverev

Playing in possibly the biggest match of his life, emotions were running high for the German youngster. However, instead of shying away from his feelings, he played with his heart on his sleeve. In a rather patriotic embrace, Alexander changed his wristbands mid-game a little before turning the match on its course. Watching anxiously, his brother, Mischa Zverev, believes this change was the ultimate difference-maker.

Courtesy of Alexander’s exuberant performance against the world’s best, fans are backing him for gold in the finals now. However, regardless of the result, his brother believes nothing tops defeating Novak ‘the wolf’ Djokovic.

He said, “Beating Novak in the semi-finals is a real challenge. When you’ve done that, you have so much self-confidence. That’s what we fight for all the time. You beat the best player in the world for Germany at the Olympics – it doesn’t get any better than that.”

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Alexander Zverev’s road to glory

Soon enough now, Alexander Zverev will take to the courts in Japan, to clinch his first gold medal. However, standing in his way is the mighty Russian, Karen Khachanov. Despite winning against him already once, the road to glory will be far from easy for Alexander. Regardless, he now has over half a million fans backing him for the top spot on the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, faces Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, for a shot at the Bronze medal. In an already decorated season, any accolade will add shine to his achievements. However, as a teary-eyed Novak left the press conference, it was certain that this defeat will haunt him for a while.

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