Karen Khachanov gives credit to Alexander Zverev after gold medal match defeat

World No. 25 Karen Khachanov admitted that Alexander Zverev deserved to win the Tokyo Olympics final. 

Zverev, ranked at No. 5 in the world, saw off Khachanov 6-3 6-1 to clinch his first gold medal. 

Zverev earned the first break of the match in the third game and also broke Khachanov in the ninth game to win the opener. 

After winning the opener, Zverev started the second set with back-to-back breaks and a 5-0 lead. 

Khachanov served out the sixth game to end Zverev's seven-game run but the German served out for the match in the following game. 

"He played from the beginning to the end an unbelievable match," Khachanov admitted, per the ITF website. "I also played an outstanding match from my point of view, but he was just better today - all credit to him. For me, the Olympics stands alongside as the Grand Slams, that’s why I trained for this as soon as Wimbledon was over. I was dreaming of gold, but I’ll give it a try at the next Olympics."

Zverev couldn't hide his happiness after beating Khachanov 

"This is so much bigger than anything else in sports, especially in tennis - this is an incredible feeling me for me right now," Zverev said. "There is nothing better than this. 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."

Zverev also added the world needs the Olympics right now. 

"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."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3ljtjyQ