Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic Win Olympic Gold

Alexander Zverev Wins Olympic Gold for Germany

Alexander Zverev has won Olympic Gold for Germany and that makes him the second German who has conquered gold after fellow countrywoman Steffi Graf did so at the Olympics of 1988. This truly is a remarkable debut for anyone attending the Olympics. Zverev did what many thought to be impossible: Zverev managed to upstage top favorite and Golden Slam contender Novak Djokovic last Friday.

Alexander Zverev wins Olympic Gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics

In a very one sided match Zverev beat Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-1. Ranked No. 5 in the world Zverev only allowed his Russian opponent one break and wouldn’t even let him have that.

“There is nothing better than this,” Zverev told. “You are not only playing for yourself, you are playing for your country, and the Olympics are the biggest sporting event in the world. The feeling I have now, and will have, nothing will be better.”

Adding to it: “I think sport right now, in the world we are living in, is not only important, but necessary,” Zverev insisted. “I think it’s necessary for people to have something to watch, something to cheer for, even if it’s in front of the TV. I think the Olympics are very important to be happening right now – not only for Japan, but the whole world.”

Novak Djokovic Golden Slam Dream Crushed by Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic’ dreams of winning the Golden Slam went up in smoke after he lost to Olympics medal winner Alexander Zverev in the semi finals of the Olympic games. Djokovic however was still in the running for a Bronze medal but he lost eventually to Pablo Carreño Busta in three sets 6-4 6-7 6-3.

Not only was Djokovic dream crushed, he also crushed his raquet while venting his anger and frustrations. Afterwards, Djokovic, who also lost in mixed doubles, left the press conference in tears saying that he doesn’t know what to say. Djokovic is known for his mental strength but on this difficult day, Djokovic just let it go. Showing us what top sport is all about when dealing with loss.

Belinda Bencic wins Olympic Gold for Switzerland

Belinda Bencic wins Olympic Gold for Switzerland with her win over Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. Bencic has been in top form during the Olympics in Tokyo 2021 tennis tournament since the start.

“If I end my career now without winning any additional matches, then I would still be happy,” Bencic said. “What I have reached today no one can take away from me. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who made this happen.”

“For me, this is the biggest thing ever for an athlete, so I cannot believe I have two medals and one of them is gold, and one of them is to be decided. I mean, I don’t know what to say. I mean, it’s amazing.

“I cannot really believe it right now. I just don’t get it yet. I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry. I didn’t think it would be possible. I was fighting for my life, and it worked out. I cannot believe it worked out.”

While Bencic was in the running for a second medal in doubles with her partner Viktorija Golubic, they lost to Czech doubles team Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets 7-5 6-1.

Belinda Bencic wins Olympic Gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics

Kiki Bertens retires from tennis with doubles loss

Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens retired from tennis after she got ousted in both doubles and singles at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 tennis tournament. Bertens, the number 21 of the world, did not survive the first round of the Tokyo Olympics tennis tournament in three sets versus Markéta Vondrousová, the number 41 of the world, 4-6 6-3 4-6.

This marked Bertens final singles match. Bertens now retires after an impressive career with highlights such as being world number four and the semis of Roland Garros.

“It’s enough,” said the 29-year-old, whose Achilles injury put a serious hamper on her career. “It’s too hard to keep going, for my body and my mind. I had hoped after my decision to play to the end of the year that my body would be feeling a bit better after the grass, but the grass court season was pretty tough again.

“Always you think about whether to carry on a bit after tough losses. I think everyone has had that before. But with me it was always, ‘Okay, just keep on pushing, I still have my goals, I can still achieve more.’ Then I had the surgery last year – afterward I worked really hard again and had the hunger to come back and play at my best level, but it’s just been a struggle ever since. It’s tough, but you know when it’s enough.

“After Paris, I was like, ‘Okay, this is the time. This is my last year.’ But then, it became my last two months. It’s enough for me, and I think this is a great way to finish, with a great team, and together with Demi Schuurs. Hopefully we will end it in a nice way and then I can say goodbye.”

Kiki Bertens retires from tennis after her first round loss at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

Rafael Nadal plays Citi Open 2021 for the first time in his career

Rafael Nadal is making a triumphant return to the tennis courts by signing on for the Citi Open 2021 for the first time in his long career. The 20 times grand slam winner has not played since he lost the finale at Roland Garros about two months ago. So while he may lack some match rythm , he is well rested and very eager to play.

“I am very excited to come to Washington for the first time,” he said in a statement. “I have never been there, and it’s one more place I wanted to come and play. I am looking forward to playing again, and Washington shall be the best start for the U.S. summer swing for me.”

Rafael Nadal will have a first round bye and then face the winner of the match between Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka and American Jack Sock.

For more information on the Citi Open 2021 please visit their website at: https://www.citiopentennis.com/ or visit their Twitter https://twitter.com/CitiOpen