French Open: Dejected Alexander Zverev Throws an Expletive as He Rues Critical Moment Ruined by Bizarre Umpire Intervention

Insane drama! Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev by 6-3,2-6,5-7,6-1,6-2 in a marathon 4-hour 19-minute match in the finals of the 2024 French Open. But things could’ve been a bit different if not for the ‘robbery incident‘. Zverev was on the brink of taking a step forward towards his maiden grand slam title, but a controversial call in the deciding set cost him dearly. He spoke about that “frustrating” moment of the match in his post-match interview. The German tennis star looked gutted after the match.

Alexander Zverev appeared to have nearly secured the break back when Carlos Alcaraz’s second serve was initially called out for a double fault by the linesman. The score was then 15-40 in favor of the German, and a point from that would’ve made Zverev level with Alcaraz at 2-2. But the chair umpire saw it differently and overruled the call. It left Zverev fuming and even the Hawk-eye data showed that he was correct as the ball had landed out by 2mm. This is a perfect example of how things can change pretty quickly from the tiniest of errors.

The Spaniard quickly cashed in at that moment and went on to hold his serve. What if the call went the other way? Speaking on that controversial moment Zverev later went on to say, “I mean, I feel like I did everything I could today. The fifth set, f***, there was some unlucky moments.” He further went on to add, “I heard that at 2-1, the second serve was out. From the Hawk-Eye data, I saw that. I break back there, I have break chances, and then in the next service game, a fifth set can go the other way.“

The world number four was then quick to admit “It’s what it’s”. He heaped praise on his Spanish opponent for his incredible performance in that match. Alexander Zverev feels he did everything he could in his second major final. The first was at the 2020 US Open, where he feels he kind of gave it away himself but according to Zverev, Paris was a bit different. But to err is human and Alexander Zverev didn’t hesitate to admit that afterwards. However, he wished this thing didn’t happen at such a crucial moment of the match!

“Umpires make mistakes” – Alexander Zverev calming down his nerves after the high-octane clash

The hawk-eye technology will be implemented at the French Open from 2025 onwards. It has been in demand in the tennis world for a long time. Coco Gauff”s coach Brad Gilbert is often seen raising this issue time and again through his social media posts. Andy Roddick also called out to “bring in the machines full time.” The tennis world is absolutely frustrated with this incident, what does Zverev say more about this?

During the post-match interview, the German tennis star further added, “I mean, look, there’s a difference whether you’re down 3-1 in the fifth set or you’re back to 2-All. That’s a deciding difference.” Alexander Zverev had the chance to become the first German to win the French Open title in the Open Era. But unfortunately, the Spaniard had the last laugh! “Yeah, it’s frustrating in the end, but it is what it is. Umpires make mistakes. They’re also human, and that’s okay. But of course, in a situation like that, you wish there wouldn’t be mistakes,” Zverev said. Share your thoughts on this incident.