Alexander Zverev stumped by Yorkshire accent at French Open – WATCH hilarious video
German second seed Zverev came from two sets to one down to progress into the third round of the French Open after beating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. However, in his post-match press conference with journalists, Zverev was defeated by someone without a racket. The 21-year-old – who speaks fluent English and Russian – was left baffled after a Yorkshire journalist asked Zverev what it would take for him to finally win a Grand Slam.
Roland-Garros Alexander Zverev was stumped by a Yorkshire accent during his press conference at the French Open
Journalist: You have enjoyed some good success on the ATP Tour with some big-title wins. Haven't quite translated it into a Grand Slam win yet, but do you feel like Roland Garros could be a turning point for you in terms of having a run in this tournament? And if so, what will the difference be? Zverev: Where you from, buddy? Journalist: Do you want to guess? Yorkshire in England. Zverev: Nice. If I ever make a tournament there I'm coming just because of that accent. Love it. I didn't understand a word you're saying, but it's not important. (Laughter.) Journalist: Could Roland Garros be a turning point for you in having success in a Grand Slam? Zverev: Sure. Why not? Just because you said it so nicely, I'm going to believe that now. Journalist: And why? Zverev: And why? Look, everybody tries to make a bigger story out of it than it is. I have had great success on the ATP Tour, as you said. Won three Masters, made two other finals this year. I'm not worried. I know if I'm doing the right things and if I do the right work I'll win those long matches, and the success will come itself. This is not something I think of on a daily basis. But, yeah, hopefully I can win a few more matches here. I have a tough opponent next round. As I said, I'm just going to go match by match here.
GETTY Alexander Zverev came from behind to beat Dusan Lajovic
Journalist: Like you said, you're 21 years old. Tennis is obviously going to come first, but what do you do to switch off and then refocus to the next match? Zverev: I play a lot of PlayStation, to be honest. I play with Marcelo Melo and he can't beat me. That makes me very happy. That's my evening routines (smiling). Journalist: You clearly enjoy your tennis. You say... Zverev: Not as much as your accent, buddy. I love that. (Laughter.) Journalist: I will come to all your press conferences now. Zverev: I love that. Journalist: If you get to the final we'll make sure I can ask a question, then. Because I get edged out. Zverev: I'll definitely make sure if I get to the final you're asking multiple questions.
EPA French Open 2018: Alexander Zverev battled to beat Dusan Lajovic