Zverev reflects on incident with spectator in Munich: "There will always be one or two idiots"

Last week, Alexander Zverev won the ATP 500 tournament in Munich on home soil. Solid throughout the week, the German dominated Ben Shelton in the final and took the opportunity to reclaim the world No. 2 ranking just a week after losing it to Carlos Alcaraz.

Zverev, who lifted the trophy on his 28th birthday, hopes this triumph in Bavaria will restore his confidence.

In the quarterfinals, despite struggling early in his match against Tallon Griekspoor, Zverev—who saw his opponent serve for the match—ultimately found a way to turn things around and reach the semifinals, a first for him since the Australian Open.

However, during that match, Zverev was targeted by a spectator who shouted "Frauenschläger" (meaning "woman beater") at him. When asked about the incident during a press conference in Madrid, Zverev appeared to have moved on, choosing instead to focus on the positive energy from his supporters.

"Honestly, the crowd was incredible. During the match against Tallon (Griekspoor), they helped me come back. I won thanks to the crowd that day, so I can’t complain. There will always be one or two idiots.

"It happens in every sport, whether it’s tennis, football, etc. That’s just how sports are, but the fans in Munich were amazing. I was finally able to play good tennis. Winning a tournament always helps confidence-wise.

"Mine wasn’t very high before the tournament. I wasn’t playing at my best level, so I’m very happy to have won. I hope to keep it going," Zverev stated before opening his Madrid campaign against Roberto Bautista Agut.