After a hard-fought second round match at the French Open, the talking point for Alexander Zverev concerned a polite speaking English journalist waiting in the press conference room.
The second seed dodged a shock exit at Roland Garros by fighting back from two sets down to defeat Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Following on from the 204-minute encounter, Zverev attended his routine press conference. That was the moment where struck back by the accent of a Yorkshire-based reporter from England who wanted to know what it will take for him to win a major title. Zverev is yet to progress beyond the fourth round of a grand slam.
“Where you from buddy?,” Zverev replied when he was asked the question.
“Yorkshire,” replied his interviewer.
“Nice. If they ever make a tournament there I’m coming just because of that accent.
“Love it. I didn’t understand a word you’re saying.”
The light-hearted exchange between the two lite up the press conference as outbursts of laughter occured. It may not be the end of the humourous exchanges between the two. Zverev has already vowed to allow the journalist to ask him ‘multiple questions’ if he reaches the final this year.
Q. You clearly enjoy your tennis. You say…
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Not as much as your accent,
buddy. I love that. (Laughter.)
Q. I will come to all your press conferences now.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I love that.
Q. If you get to the final we’ll make sure I can ask a question, then. Because I get edged out.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I’ll definitely make sure if I get to the final you’re asking multiple questions.
Jonathan Pinfield was the journalist who was asking the questions. Pinfield is a reporter who is currently working for Live Sports FM at Roland Garrros. He is the ‘head of sport’ for the online sports radio network.
“Where you from, buddy?”
Alexander Zverev makes a new friend 😂#RG18 pic.twitter.com/LFZzC8Nygf
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 30 May 2018
Zverev will take on Damir Dzumhur in the third round of the French Open.
