"Buongiorno, my name is Jannik Sinner" - Alexander Zverev teases Italian Open crowd as he clinches the title on World No. 2's home soil in his absence

Alexander Zverev made a humorous remark about his identity after he won the 2024 Italian Open title in home hero Jannik Sinner’s absence. The German also opened up about the sense of belonging he feels in Italy.

Zverev charged into his 11th Masters 1000 final after beating Aleksandar Vukic, Luciano Darderi, Nuno Borges, Taylor Fritz and Alejandro Tabilo, dropping just one set. In the title clash on Sunday, May 19, he outclassed Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 to clinch his second title at the tournament.

Alexander Zverev previously won the Italian Open title in 2017 by crushing Novak Djokovic in straight sets. That was his maiden Masters 1000 title. The latest triumph marks his sixth such title and 22nd career title overall. This is also his first big trophy, since his Cincinnati Open win in 2021.

After staging the spectacular repeat at the Italian Open, the German hilariously teased the crowd by calling himself Jannik Sinner, who is unarguably one of the most successful tennis players the country has produced.

"Buongiorno, everyone! My name is Jannik," Alexander Zverev joked during his victory speech. "[No, kidding] Not yet."

Zverev's remark comes just a couple of days after he clarified whether he intended to replace Jannik Sinner at the tournament.

Sinner was unable to compete at the Italian Open this year due to hip injury. With the crowd feeling their compatriot’s absence, Zverev had expressed his wish to have them cheer him on instead during the final.

"The Italians are a crazy crowd, and I love that. I love energy. I love when they're loud. And when they're for you, it's even better," he’d said after his semifinal win over Tabilo.

"I would not replace Jannik, but maybe for this week, if they can see it like that, I'm happy about that."

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Alexander Zverev on feeling "loved" at the Italian Open: "This is not a joke; I really do feel Italian"

Alexander Zverev pictured at the 2024 Italian Open

During his 2024 Italian Open victory speech, Alexander Zverev thanked the crowd for making him feel loved and supporting him throughout the tournament.

"The best always comes for last. I want to thank everybody who came out the last ten days. You know, this is a place where – there’s very little places where I feel the love like I feel here. And the crowd support for me has been absolutely incredible," he said.

The former World No. 2 said that he feels “Italian” every time he walks out on the center court at the Foro Italico.

"I love this tournament; I love this city. It’s always one of the most special feelings to walk out on the center court and to play in front of all of you guys. This is not a joke. I really do feel Italian for this week and that’s all thanks to you. So thank you very much," he added.

With the win, Alexander Zverev is set to replace last year’s champion Daniil Medvedev as the World No. 4 come Monday. The feat is likely to grant him an advantage going into the French Open, where he's the three-time semifinalist and one of the favorites to win the title.