“It’s Not Nice To Hear”: Rotterdam Open Director Reacts to Alexander Zverev Criticism

Former World No. 3 Alexander Zverev competed at the Rotterdam Open 2021. However, the German players’ journey did not last long as he lost in the opening round to the Russian-born tennis player Alexander Bublik. The World No. 43 beat Zverev in straight sets. It was their first match, which ended in 78 minutes. 

Post the opening-round loss, Alexander Zverev criticized the tennis balls used at the event. He felt the combination of the ball along with the slow-paced courts was making him feel uncomfortable. The German player stated the other players competing at the event faced similar issues.

Richard Krajicek: “Something to think about if Alexander Zverev’s criticism is valid”

Taking note of this criticism, Rotterdam Open tournament director, Richard Krajicek assured to work together will Zverev and the rest of the players to form a solution. Krajicek said, “It’s not nice to hear, but maybe we should see if we can make the jobs faster. Anyway, it’s something to think about if his criticism is valid.”

The former Dutch player feared the players will choose to avoid the event in the future. To avoid any further complications, the former Wimbledon champion wants to solve the problem and wishes everyone associated with the tournament comes on the same page. 

The 49-year-old added, “We have to do something with this as a tournament. Of course, you don’t want Zverev or other players to think at some point: just leave Rotterdam alone. We always make a deal with the Marseille tournament, which will be held in the week after us, about the balls that are played with. So we really want to think along with the players.”

After his exit at the Rotterdam Open 2021, the German talent will compete in Acapulco, in Mexico. After that, he will play at the Miami Open 2021. The event was canceled last year due to the complexities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, Zverev lost in the final of the tournament in Miami.

Also Read: “Don’t Know How He Does It”: Alexander Zverev Puzzled by Unrivalled Novak Djokovic’s Return Prowess