Alexander Zverev defeated Laslo Djere in the 2023 Hamburg Open final to end a 30-year wait for fans in the German city.
The city of Hamburg held its breath on Sunday, eyes fixed on a native son, Alexander Zverev, battling in the ATP 500 final. Facing Djere, the German showcased a high-level performance that echoed with the crackle of a champion in his prime, ending the match with a commanding 7-5, 6-3 score.
The one-hour and fifty-one-minute showdown was a display of Zverev's qualities, which fans couldn't see for a big part of the 2022 season after he suffered a horrific injury. As a result, it's been 18 months since he won an ATP title, and what better place to do it again than his hometown?
It was on the Hamburg clay that Zverev began his tennis journey, the ground where he took his first steps towards tennis fame. This victory wasn't just another notch on his belt, but a triumphant return to the place that ignited his passion for the sport.
"At the end of the day, this is my home, this is where I grew up, and this where I started playing tennis. It was incredible for me, incredibly emotional. I can’t describe it in words, I’m just super happy right now."
A tale of a gritty comeback from a serious ankle injury that had sidelined him from the semi-final clash at the 2022 Roland Garros with Rafael Nadal. The victory at Hamburg, his first title since his return to the game at the onset of 2023, was even more special as he reminisced.
"It’s almost like a first [title] again. It’s such a long time [since my previous title], 18 months, and I’m just super happy right now."
Zverev's triumph in Hamburg echoes back to 1993, when Michael Stich was the last German to lift the singles crown in this Open Era tournament. This year's edition added another feather to the host nation's cap with a clean sweep. German duo Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz had earlier secured the doubles title, marking a dominant performance for the Germans in the ATP 500 event.
"I think he was the much better player throughout the first set. I just kind of stuck with it and dug it out somehow. Credit to him, he’s one of the most respected guys on Tour, he’s doing all the right things. At the end, I’m just happy that it went the way it went."
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