“It Was Not the US Open’s Fault”: Alexander Zverev Defends Organizers After Coronavirus Controversy

Huge confusion ensued during the 2020 US Open yesterday when the players who came in contact with the coronavirus positive player Benoit Paire were confined. One of them was Adrian Mannarino, who had a match against Alexander Zverev which was repeatedly delayed. In the end, the match did happen with Zverev being victorious 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-2. 

In his post-match press conference, Zverev was asked about what was his reaction to the delay. Zverev said that there were ‘politics’ involved which was out of Mannarino and US Open’s hands. Mannarino was furious with the additional protocols in place for him and the rest of the players who came in contact with Paire.

“I don’t know that. At the end of the day I always looked at the situation that what if I was in the same situation. I would have wanted my opponent or my fellow players to have an understanding for it. It was not his fault, It was not the US Open’s fault. It was just the situation. There were politics involved.” Zverev said.

Alexander Zverev on why he waited for his match

Zverev understood the tough situation his opponent was in and so decided to wait on his match.

“At the end of the day I think maybe I could have said, I want to play at the time if we’re playing, and if he’s not on court, bad luck. In my opinion, that was the right thing to do, to wait. This is why I also waited. Give the opportunity to give him the chance. If I was in that same situation, I would think that I would have wanted not to play the match.” Zverev said.

Read More: Alexander Zverev Left Hanging After Match Against Adrian Mannarino Faces Delays at US Open 2020

It is said that the New York State Department didn’t allow Mannarino to participate, even though the US Open had no objections. Mannarino was told to quarantine himself, which didn’t go well with him. And so had deep arguments went on with the organizers, and in the end, he did play. This lack of communication has players worried. Hideous decisions by the US Open have angered many players.