“Last Time Novak Djokovic Lost”: Alexander Zverev Asking Carlos Alcaraz to “Win It” Raises Alarm of Curse

Puranjay Dixit | 07/09/2023
"Nice To Beat the Best Players in the World": Alexander Zverev Continues Carlos Alcaraz's Misery by Surviving Injury Scare To Win ATP Finals Clash

Carlos Alcaraz strolled to a win in the 2023 US Open quarter-final against Alexander Zverev. While shaking hands after the match, Zverev remained gracious despite the defeat and wished Alcaraz luck. The Spaniard reacted to a video on Twitter (now X) of his opponent backing him to win the Grand Slam and fans joined in.

Zverev’s sporting gesture was met positively by most fans who lauded him, calling him a ‘class act’. One fan, however, pointed out that the German had said something similar to Novak Djokovic in 2021 and the Serb ultimately lost.

Fans react as Alexander Zverev asks Carlos Alcaraz to win it

Carlos Alcaraz brushed aside a fatigued Alexander Zverev to continue in his quest of defending his title. The latter came into the match on the back of a five-set RO16 clash against Jannik Sinner which lasted nearly five hours. He was simply no match for the World No.1 who won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

After the match, as the players converged at the net for the customary post-match handshake, Zverev embraced Alcaraz. The #12 seed wished his opponent luck and told him to win it. Alcaraz reacted to the video posted the official US Open account.

One fan, though, claimed that Zverev had similarly backed Djokovic in 2021 to win the title after he lost their semi-final, inadvertently cursing him. The Serb would go on to lose the final to Daniil Medvedev, killing his campaign of getting a Calendar Slam.

Another fan replied, calling it a ‘nonsense’ attempt to pull Alcaraz down.

More tennis fans took to social media to give their thoughts on Zverev’s gesture. Many gushed over his act and appreciated it.

One fan touched upon Zverev’s comeback story after the ankle injury at the 2022 French Open.

A few fans, however, trolled Zverev. They mocked the fact that the German has no Grand Slam titles as opposed to Alcaraz’ s two.

Alcaraz compliments Zverev’s comeback

Despite completely subduing him on court, Alcaraz did not fail to praise Zverev after the match. The former World No.2 was considered one of the biggest contenders from the current generation before suffering a horrific ankle break during his 2022 French Open semi-final against Nadal.

He underwent surgeries after breaking three ligaments in his right ankle. Alcaraz acknowledged his momentous comeback. The Spaniard said it made him happy to see Zverev in the quarter-finals of a Slam. He said that the German has worked really hard and it feels great to seem him back to playing his best tennis.

Zverev has been slowly coming back to his best in 2023. He made it to the Roland Garros semi-final this year as well. He will look to finish the year in the top 10. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will turn his focus to Medvedev in a blockbuster semi-final clash. The winner will likely face Djokovic in the final. With the top 3 of men’s tennis in action, some great matches are on the card and Alcaraz will look to come out on top of it all.

Post Edited By: Puranjay Dixit
Alexander Zverev Carlos Alcaraz US open

About the author

Puranjay Dixit

Puranjay Dixit

Puranjay is a Tennis Journalist at The SportsRush. He has written more than 300 articles on the sport. Ask him anything about tennis and he is ready to come up with well-crafted answers. He has been following tennis ever since his parents introduced him to the game when he was 10. His favourite player may be Rafael Nadal, but ask him who's the GOAT, and he'll say, Novak Djokovic. He may be pursuing a degree in an unrelated field, but creating quality sports content remains his first love.

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