“She Did Everything Possible” – Alexander Zverev Pays Tribute to His Mother on Women’s Day

Alexander Zverev looks to have put his poor run of form behind him after a horrid ATP Cup. He will next feature in the Indian Wells in a few days. On the International Women’s Day, Zverev opened up on the woman who inspires him the most in his life.

Who inspires Alexander Zverev?

Speaking to ATP’s TennisTV, Sascha had an endearing answer when asked which woman serves as his biggest inspiration.

“My mother has always been an inspiration, always did everything for us, for my brother, for myself, coached me from a young age. She did everything possible to make us the tennis players, and the people that we are today.”  

Alexander’s mother, Irina Zvereva, was a former professional tennis player herself. However, due to the restrictions of the Soviet Union she could not travel extensively to compete. She was ranked No. 4 in her country at one point in her career.

Naturally, she was one of the very first tennis mentors Alexander and Mischa Zverev had to get their interest and passion for tennis going.

Alexander’s current season is still hanging in the balance. An abysmal showing at the ATP Cup spelled trouble for him at the start of the season. However, the German bounced back to make his first semi-final of a Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

He has since played in the Mexican Open in Acapulco. His momentum took a hit once again as he lost in the second round to Tommy Paul. The World No. 7 will next compete at the BNP Paribas Open in a few days. It remains to be seen how he fares.

This season could very well shape the future of the young German. Names like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev have long surpassed him in terms of making progress at the very top of the sport. Sascha has the talent, he just needs the mentality now to succeed.