"There was never a 100% guarantee that I'd be back at this level" - Alexander Zverev exults in conquering past demons with Paris Masters title

Alexander Zverev got emotional after winning the 2024 Paris Masters as he managed to conquer the demons from his past. The German decimated home favorite Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-2 to win his second Masters 1000 title of the year.

Back in 2022, Zverev faced Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Roland Garros, and unlike the many victims of the Spaniards at the Philippe Chatrier, the German went toe-to-toe against the 14-time champion. However, at 7-6(8), 6-6, an unfortunate incident occurred that turned out to be a huge roadblock in Zverev's career.

During a rally in the second set tiebreaker, the 27-year-old slipped and tore his ankle ligaments, bringing an unfortunate end to their epic match. However, there was a silver lining in his journey to the final 4 as he did end up reaching a new career-high ranking of two. This year, he returned to the French Open final, where he faced Carlos Alcaraz, but ultimately fell short of the title.

Now, Alexander Zverev has finally conquered his demons and clinched a title in Paris, albeit a Masters 1000 event. During the trophy presentation, he thanked his father Alexander Zverev Sr, brother Mischa Zverev, and the rest of his team for working with him during these two hard years and helping him become the World No. 2 again.

He admitted that there was never a 100% chance that he would reach the upper echelons again after having that horrific injury.

“I want to thank my team. The work we’ve done over the past two and a half years to be back in this position, everyone had to sacrifice so much. To be able to play on these beautiful courts again.. there was never a hundred percent guarantee that I’d be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago when I basically broke everything in my ankle that’s possible," he said.

An emotional Zverev then said that winning the title in Paris was really important for him and reiterated his gratitude to his team.

"To win the title here in Paris means the world to me but I’m sure it also means the world to everybody sitting in my box. They’ve done so much to help me lift this title,” he added.

There was also an emotional moment during the presentation when Zverev apologized to the French crowd for decimating their home favorite.

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"First of all, sorry" - Alexander Zverev apologizes to the French crowd for defeating Ugo Humbert in the Paris Masters final

In Picture: Alexander Zverev (Source: Getty)

Alexander Zverev hilariously apologized to the French crowd since he prevented their home favorite and 15th seed Ugo Humbert from a dream come true triumph. He then congratulated Humbert for his miraculous run, during which he defeated Carlos Alcaraz, and felt that the young French was on the right path.

“First of all, sorry. To start, I want to congratulate Ugo on an incredible week. Incredible player. All the hard work he’s doing off court, you can see it. The results are there. I told you at the net that if you keep playing like this, this isn’t the last chance you’re gonna get. I’m sure he’ll be able to lift trophies like this very soon,” he said.

Zverev will look to take this momentum into Turin where he compete at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals. He will be joined by Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and a few others who are yet to be determined.