Alexander Zverev discussed the potential of being the German Olympic flag-bearer and the significance it holds for him.
Zverev has always taken great pride in representing Germany although he was born to Russian parents Irina Zvereva and Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev. However, he was raised in Germany and competes for the country as well.
A highlight of his career occurred three years ago in Tokyo when he reached the Olympic Games final and secured the gold medal for Germany.
While tennis has its own significant milestones, the Olympics remains a crucial event for most players, evident from how Novak Djokovic often mentions his desire to win the gold medal.
Zverev triumphed over Djokovic in Tokyo, realizing the Serbian’s dream and now has his sights set on a different honor – carrying the German flag. He expressed at the 2024 Hamburg Open that this honor would surpass even the gold medal, showcasing his deep patriotism.
“If someone told me that I should walk in as a flag bearer, it would mean even more to me, to be honest (than winning the Olympics). But if I am in the tournament, then I aim to win it, that is always my mindset.”
“A medal at the Olympics is always special, no matter which one it is. If it’s gold, of course, it’s something special, and that will also be my goal.”
Another detail about being a flag-bearer that was revealed to the 27-year-old player is the scheduling of his first match. If chosen as the flag-bearer, he would not play on Saturday when tennis at the Olympics commences, but instead on Sunday.
While the specific start day may not be of utmost importance to Zverev, the prospect of carrying the flag for his country fills him with joy.
“If I am the flag bearer and play on Saturday, I will not play on Saturday, but on Sunday. This has been agreed with ITF. If I am not the flag bearer, I might play on Saturday.”
“So it depends on the schedule whether I will be there or not. Therefore, I don’t understand the rule so well, because it was clearly said to me that if I am in a match on Saturday, I will not be nominated as flag bearer. Let’s see.”
Speaking in his hometown, Zverev reiterated why being the flag-bearer is a prestigious honor for any athlete and why he would be thrilled to undertake that role. He also reflected on the gold medal he secured at the previous Olympics, citing it as the pinnacle achievement of his career.
“In the end, it is a great honor for me because the Olympics is the biggest sporting event we have in the world, along with the World Cup in football. Leading an entire nation and so many top German athletes into the Olympics is simply the greatest honor an athlete can receive.”
“And of course, the gold medal I won at the last Olympics is one of the highest achievements you can have in sports and for me personally the greatest success in my career.”
“If I could carry the flag, it would add even more to it. I would be very happy if the athletes and the German people see me as their flag bearer and captain to lead them into the Olympics.”
