Zverev and Bencic Are Olympic Singles Champions In Tokyo
Locker Room
August 2, 2021
Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic captured the coveted singles gold medals at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
And Roger Federer played a part in getting Bencic ready for the biggest day of her life.
Zverev may have had his share of problems in trying to secure an elusive first Grand Slam title.
But there was only complete confidence from the tall German on the Olympic stage.
Sascha thoroughly deserved his gold medal after defeating Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament.
That ended the Djokovic dream of achieving a “Golden Slam” – all four majors and the Olympic title too.
In the final Zverev only built upon that stunning success by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-1 to deny the Russian Olympic Committee further glory.
The result was rarely in doubt as the favourite’s searing serve gave him the platform to execute a ruthless all-round game to near-perfection.
Zverev became the first German to take an Olympic singles tennis title since the great Steffi Graf in 1988.
And he was only too happy to sum up the importance of the moment.
Sascha said: ‘I’ve won the World Tour Finals but a gold medal at the Olympics, the value is incredible because you’re not only playing for yourself, you’re playing for your country.
‘It’s an incredible feeling. There is nothing better than this.’
That sense of satisfaction echoed the feelings of Sir Andy Murray when he took the gold medal for GB at the previous two Olympics.
This time injury prevented Murray from trying to defend his singles title. And he was edged out during his quest for a medal in the doubles alongside Joe Salisbury.
Djokovic will also now lick his wounds before preparing for the US Open in a few weeks’ time.
Meanwhile it was impossible to keep Roger Federer out of the limelight, even though he wasn’t playing at the Olympics this time around.
His Swiss compatriot Bencic reached the singles final to face Czech star Marketa Vondrousova.
Federer sent Bencic an inspirational message on the morning of the big match.
It read: ‘Today is a good day to make your dreams come true.’
The beautiful simplicity of this encouragement from Roger did the trick.
Bencic beat Vondrousova 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to achieve something Federer hasn’t – an Olympic singles title.
So now the focus will start to turn towards Flushing Meadows for the last Grand Slam of the Year.
And our own focus is already turning towards Wimbledon 2022.
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