I've been impressed with Fils' game for over a year now. So glad to see him living up to his potential and winning big! And yeah..Zverev is one of the biggest sore losers out there and doesn't seem to be so well liked in the locker room.
He's got a kind of Old School look and feel to his game and I love watching him. He's top ten material all day long. Trips me out he's 20 though looks like a grown-assed adult LOL.
@@tristanvivona3547 I believe he is liked on the Tour in general in spite of his other issues but nobody was down with him rapping that Umpire Chair like that. Anyway I'll be most curious to see if he ever wins a Major. Frfr.
This is really poor form by Zverev. There is absolutely nothing wrong with an underarm serve. It is completely legit. So glad that Fils won. Great match. For a 20 year old he is a beast. I have been very impressed by his play the last few months… I see big things for him and I am here for it. Seems like a decent guy and mature for his age. Hope he can insert himself into the Alcaraz Sinner conversation.
I think he really can develop his game to join Alcaraz and Sinner to be the third Big 3 component. He just turned 20 as far as I know. Like his overall game, his energy and his mental attitude. Beating the #4 player in the world on his home court in front of a low key hostile crowd takes a lot of mental toughness and at the age of 20 too. If he stays injury free ( and grounded) who knows how far he can go.
Arthur is a very good young player, but sorry I think he is not as talented as Alcaraz and sinner. And not only talent, but mentality and tactics too are something he needs to work on really fast, coz Alcaraz and sinner are far away from him. Arthur has a lot of power on both sides, particularly with FH but, here are his weaknesses for real : Net play, serve, return of serve, ball placement, rythm change, and tactical et technical versatility overall. He is a good player but don’t be overhyped by him and let him work step by step to improve.
@@jeanrezac6380 Totally agree with you that he’s not close to Sinner and Alcaraz yet. But I’m looking at his age and his potential to develop to be on their level. To be one of the very best like those two ( or any great players before them) you have to show the ‘greatness potential’ at 17,18, 19 but not necessarily be great at that age. A. Fils has to improve and stay grounded (I.e. continue to work very hard ) and be humble. Rune showed great potential at 18, 19 and right now his game is falling apart. His attitude is his downfall. It’s a fine line between high confidence and arrogance. Also a player needs a very good team and support system around them as well. But I’m betting on A.Fils to at least be a contender for GS titles in the near future.
@@juismac that’s exactly the challenge Arthur fils needs to be confronted to : Improve his mindset deeper to have a better focus on matches, particularly when he struggles, to have a clear vision on his game, improve and work off court on tactics and weaknesses and unlock the secrets of the greatests. Those things have already been learned and are still being learned by alcaraz and sinner. Just look at Alcaraz this year. Even when he is in trouble in GS matches, he always reset his mind, stays clam and finds a way to win. That’s one of the huge gaps fils needs to reduce with him. But we need to give him time.
@@jeanrezac6380 absolutely agree. The mental side of the game is really what separates the great players from the almost great. The fortitude to not give up on yourself when things are just not going well on the court. The ability to rein in your emotions. Even on the women’s side I think that’s what really puts Iga Swiatek in a league by herself right now. She almost never gets flustered on the court. On the men’s side, Alcaraz for me is on a level all by himself. He and Sinners game are pretty equal technically but his mental strength is just crazy right now. It’s like prime Federer, Nadal and Djokovic combined. Amazing to see and I hope Sinner can get there so we can have some genuine competition in grand slams for the next five years. As for A.Fils he can get there but he’ll need to invest in hiring a sports psychologist if he hasn’t already done so.
Underarm serve is a legitimate tactic, seen Australia’s Nick Kyrgios deploy it several times. Zverev was standing way beyond the baseline, trying to give himself more time to make a crushing return. The underarm serve made him look foolish. This play delights the spectators who ultimately pay these player’s winnings. Never seen such a poor sportsman’s response than Zverev’s to this tactic.
None of your business or mine or the ATP's. He's not been found guilty of ANYTHING. Maybe you were there? If not, then it's he said, she said. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
I'm really happy that Rafael Nadal can play without pain again! 😊 I hope he can play the 2025 season. His defeat against Zverev in the 1st round (!) at Roland Garros shouldn't be his last match in Paris. Not after winning the tournament 14 times😢.
He was not on my radar but I saw in his bio that he just turned 20. He’s got a pretty solid game and a good serve. Could he improve in the next year or so and join Alcaraz and Sinner to be the third side of a Big 3 triangle?
I'm not a fan of Medvedev either as he has had many incidents with the opponent, umpire, and crowd in the past, although he seems to have toned it down in the last few seasons.
Good call on Zverev’s passive- aggressive behavior- I’m assuming you mean him spraying Fils with Champagne “as in boys having fun”… unh-uh- this was Zverev’s insulting and “going-after” and getting back at Fils under the guise of Post-Vic champagne celebration. Disgusting antics.
Fils was passive aggressive the whole match. Questioning every close call and being generally f***king annoying. Trying to provoke and yes it worked - Zverev should have just let it go and focused
Great job Christian! Arthur Fils is the shit! I see him right up there with Alcaraz. Skinner is good, but I think, they will be the new Power 3! Zevrev, is gonna get checked real soon. Watch.
Arthur is winning big time against world no.4, no 1 seed of the tournament and defending champion at his own home grown. For sure Fils deserved my far this match. Love his game. His game evolving so well.
Arthur can't stoop to Alexander level.... If an underarm serve is not against the rules, what is the problem. I love his game. He is exciting to watch. I love it that he uses the negativity to pump him up!! I really feel it is very ignorant of fans to boo any player and applaud all players who don't let this unprecedented behavior affect them. I had never seen anyone being booed except Djokovic, and I thought it was horrible. Since then I have seen crowds boo Ben Shelton. I heard about what happened to Serena at I think it was Indian Wells. All I can do is SMH. What I really feel about Alexander I can't post. He is always a jerk, which is why I have no sympathy for him. 🤔🤨 He needs to grow up! Is him and Sasha brothers? 😂
Well, it's quite obvious why the umpire stopped Fils and walked him back to his chair because he was the one standing, the umpire was just trying to de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible, and Fils was the one that could be moved away. Zverev was already in his chair!
Also, I was rooting for Fils and even bet on him to win before the match, but yeah, he wouldn't have been able to stop the argument straight away if he turns to Zverev and tells him to stop.
Zverev is a snake, he entices confrontation with his childish controlling behavior. No wonder he lost the match. And then wants to look good and forces himself to hug Arthur Fils.
I do agree to some extent the underarm serve is cheap but at the same time it’s fair play and from a spectators’ perspective, it riles them up or reenergizes them, especially when the server flirts with disaster. I don’t see any justification for Sascha to take umbrage with Fils when he missed the serve. Zverev has a terrible habit of saying delusional things that aren’t completely true like accusing Medvedev of playing mind games with him by simply asking for a replay. It’s a damn shame because he’s a stellar player with an immature, flimsy mindset. He says he doesn’t smash racquets anymore but it takes more than just eliminating the proclivity to smash racquets to have elite mentality and he’s bereft of the other essential elements. I like Fils, he’s a chill guy but the problem with him is he too has a terrible habit to make certain he remains in the public eye and this is one of numerous examples. Fils gotta learn to not take these type of things personally.
@@rumcoke9123 Exactly. People sometimes don't understand the essence of the game. That is: try to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent can't return it. A service, for example, is usually hit hard and into the corners. But a soft service is an option too, and for a serve like that you'd rather not hit the ball as high as possible, but from a much lower ball position. It says noweher that you are obliged to hit a serve from above your head. It's exactly the same principle for groundstrokes: usually hard and into the corners, but sometimes a dropshot. What's the difference?
Well he's not as mentally strong and able to forget what's going on around him and concentrate. He's with the big 3 for good reason. He is an excellent player when he focuses
Not so much about losing as with the attitude of the opponent and his box. Yes underarm serve is legal - it shouldn't be. Why don't they just play like that all the damn time instead of trying to jump up and hit like they do if that's the case. There was no need to question every close call - if he keeps that up the locker room won't be a friendly place for him as it extends match time and usually for no reason.
@@salmaal-shaoily5809 Cold handshake yeah - a lot of that going around though. Women's game - if Svitolina doesn't want o observe the etiquette simply because a player is from Russia or Belarus, then she should go away until her attitude improves. I'm aware there is a war with Ukraine but these players didn't start it or condone it. Has she forgotten that those players also have relatives in a war zone? Off topic I know for Zverev but you brought up the handshake thing.
@@salmaal-shaoily5809 Probably does and yeah they can all be a bit off at times - like I've said, they both behaved abysmally. My point was more about the bias of the creator who couldn't see that Fils was not exactly endearing himself to anyone either
I don't understand zverev being so upset about a underarm serve when it was a fault anyway, Arthur should of done it again on match point to really rub it in haha Alexander was very condescending and patronising in the ceremony speech towards Fils I found
I understand Zerev was not acting well but if in Tennis if you are on your opponent's side of the seating it is you who would be get moved even if you are not in the wrong to de-escalate the situation which what happened.
The underarm serve is a dirty tactic, and I hate when anybody performs it. It doesn't belong in tennis, even though it's allowed. Have you ever seen the Big Three do that? I don't recall them doing so.
Thanks Christian - an excellent summary of the week's tennis. Congratulations to Arthur Fils, who was a better man than Zverev, in game and attitude. Once again, Zverev showed his true colours with a disgraceful show of arrogance and petulance. Like it or not, the underarm serve is a legitimate and tactical part of tennis, so Zverev's reaction was absolutely unnecessary. Zverev can learn a lot from Rafa, who gave a genuinely heartfelt and gracious speech after his loss in the Bastad final. That's what you call class!
Its nice to see them make up and hug it out in the end, strange things can happen sometimes when its so highly competitive and in the heat of the moment.
I don’t think this is something to get on either player’s case about. It was a hard fought final, tempers tend to fray under such circumstances, if they hugged it out after the ceremony no foul AFAIAC. The umpire perhaps should’ve had words with Zverev, rather than with Fils, 100%, but again in the moment clearly thought separating the players was the move, and it’s an easier job in retrospect than in the moment, for sure. Overall a modicum of drama is good for the sport, and you do have to feel a bit for Zverev, the guy just keeps falling short in big matches, while consistently getting to play them, so you know, with a bit of empathy I think it’s possible to try not to judge him too harshly for a bit of petulance at the end.
Why don't you show any of the trophy presentation? Both players were laughing while Zverev sprayed Fils with champagne. And you could clearly see a smiling Zverev congratulating a soaked Fils on a job well done.
@@sashasmith707 See that's where I have a problem with idiot creators who are so biased they only want to show one side of things. Whatever - they got over it and were fine during the presentation.
I think Arthur Fils has a huge amount of respect for Zverev and that this is incident really hurt his feelings. You could tell by his reaction to winning that his mind was more on the incident that occurred compared to when he won in Lyon last year and fell on the dirt 😅. Nonetheless, I am happy that Zverev did try and make up for his poor sportsmanship. I think Fils appreciated it and all is good now. Also happy Muchova is back and was also surprised that she has only won 1 title. I think she’s very talented but doesn’t have a lot of energy at the latter stages of tournaments. She’s been so close many times so maybe her time is coming.
I lived in Germany for over 10 years. Playing tennis 🎾 against a German citizen in Germany can be very challenging because the crowd behaves very badly.
I would have agreed with this video but Arthur letting Zverev pour champagne in his mouth was equivalent to Chris Bosh celebration w/LeBron and Le’Wade..they both obviously got over their issues 😭
"Cramping"??? Hmm. Not buyin it. It's fair play but Fils served just fine for the rest of the match after that underarm attempt, so don't say you were cramping. He was trying to get under Zverev's skin and it worked. Zverev didn't take it well but Fils wasn't exactly the angelic hero that Christian says he is. He can be a punk show pony himself. But congrats to Fils because this time he pulled it out in the end.
If you're cramping it's due to bad conditioning and management of your body during the match. No one else's fault but your own. Deal with it and serve properly like a good sport. Underarm serve may be legal but not sportsmanlike.
Please do a short on handshakes between them at Terra Wortmann open a month before this. It’s all good when Zverev wins. He just can’t turn the corner against those top tier guys.
Fils was the better man. Speech: Zverev spoke mostly in German, mentioning Fils only at the end and not even saying "congratulations". Fils started by addressing directly to Zverev and congratulating him and his team, while Zverev was looking away, not at him. Last year when Zverev won, he started in English by congratulating the runner-up Djere. Press conference: Zverev didn't give credit to Fils (at least not in En). Just when he was asked what Fils did better in the tie-break, he said "he did everything better". I don't know what he said in German. Fils said Zverev is a "great champion". In the interview for ATP, Fils said Zverev is a "great champion, an unbelievable champion".
The umpire moved Fils out of the way because Zverev was already seated in his chair and Fils was standing over him. Where should the umpire have moved a seated player? Secondly, referencing the title of your video, yea, Zverev acted immature and unprofessional and you called him out. But you actually showed moments when Fils was acting up, but you strangely gave him a pass. You don't have to like a player. But at least be intellectually honest enough to be fair in your judgements.
Hi Christian, I'm French but not particularly fan of Arthur Fils, I don't really like his behaviour on the court. Well, I never liked Zverev either ;-) I wonder what you think about that : for me there is no problem Fils served underarm (I myself use this quite often to surprise the opponent). What upset me most is when he says he was cramping and could not serve, because we clearly see he could serve a rather good second to save the break point, then good serves too on the next two points where he was running apparently without any trouble... Cramps do not go away so quickly.
Federer is also not the Mr. Nice Guy the press want us all to believe all the time. He won a match against Stan Wawrinka. Wawrinka had discussions with the umpire because when he was at the end of the court where Federer's player box was, Federer's wife was trying to distract him and calling out things to him. Federer didn't like it and they apparently came to blows in the locker room - from what I've seen written at the time.
Zverev is without doubt one of the "Best Tennis Player" there is. It is rather strange and unprofessional to see such reaction from him, he has contributed so much to Tennis. His only missing result is a Gran-Slam which could be just around the corner.
The underarm serve is clearly bad sportsmanship if the 'surprise' element includes serving earlier than usual, ie after a shortened routine, because the receiver synchronises his routine with that of the server's.
Good commentary. I try not to judge anything petty but none the less I agree with you. Let's all remember though true competitors hate to loose and the tigers manifest in many different ways. I don't think Zev is a bad guy. And I do think he's next for a grand slam title one of these days.
Todays game are just ridiculous. Under arm serves are just not in the spirit of the game, EVEN THOUGH ITS LEGAL. Big, powerful grown professional men, playing like 5 yrs old girls.
Para ser un campeón lo primero es respetar a tú rival,si no ganes lo que ganes nadie te respetará.Todavia es joven para cambiar su aptitud si no se echará a perder este tenista que tiene un gran potencial.Si quieres que te respeten respeta.😊🇪🇸
Between his off the court stuff and how he acts on the court, Zverev seems to just go out of his way to be as unlikeable as possible. It's a shame he behaves how he does. He's a great player, and I think his backhand is immaculate, might be the best on the tour after only Djokovic's backhand, but he's just absolutely impossible to like or root for, even if he didn't have all the off-the-court issues he does. Fils was outstanding in this match though. Handled the occasion wonderfully. Didn't play in to the attempts at intimidation and simply let his tennis do the talking. And saving 21 of 22 break points is wild.
Zverev calling someone unsportsmanlike is crazy. I'm not sold on Fils being among the best quite yet, but we'll see how he does on the hard courts. He's still young, but he probably should just ignore Zverev's tirade and not address him at all. Sportsmanship goes both ways. He might do well in the Olympics with the home crowd and riding high on his win. He might can just medal.
Arthur Fils played absolutely amazing!! Usually like Zverev, but he is a sore loser!! And very bad sportsmanship!!! Fils all the way!!!!!❤ Zverev completely spoiled that huge moment for Fils!! I believe all those assault charges against him..
Please re-watch the visit Artur made to Sascha as he started to shout him down. There seems to have been a cover up of what the German said initially which pulled Artur to him closer. I swear he said "You effing something " but something hid the last word (maybe Frenchman) then went on to say about disrespect. That was how poor Artur was left and then, as you say, was hauled away as if he was the one who started the fight. He not only won the cup but for me he won the sportsmanship and the Day. The guy to watch. Don't know how this works but I'm an Octogenarian and hope I don't get taken off social media😂😅😊
Around the time, he began sporting that man-bun, Alexander Zverev began 'trying' to act like he was a mature adult filled with well wishes for his fellow man. Of course, as soon as a match doesn't go his way, his true man-baby character comes out, like it did here with Arthur Fils...
My child, don't forget that I am with you in all your difficulties, I never leave you! Just stay by my side...in prayer | From Jesus to you | Today, the Lord still tells you that He is there, even if you don't see it, even if you don't feel it. Jesus is your protector and support! Yes, Invoke Him, entrust your sorrows to Him, live EVERYTHING with Him! And you will see, his Peace will invade you... Please like, share and subscribe, bless you all!!
I do not like the way Fils comes across. Zverev is no better. But Fils was swearing and behaving like Nole. This is his first 500 level win granted he is still young but I don’t know the level of his arrogance when he wins a GS. He should take it easy.
That arrogant rude beligerent behavioiur will only get worse and Novak Djokovic is not a role model for anyone. He's an obnoxious ass. Maybe Fils should find someone nicer to emulate
You’re wrong about the umpire moving Fils along. He’s making sure things don’t escalate and become violent. No reason for a player to be hanging out at the other player’s side.
Both Fils and Alcaraz use hindrance to win points. Play in slomo and listen to when they make their "grunts". The ball is clearly across the net on the other player's side. Fils even does it after the ball bounces. Yeah right. And, they can choose when to do it. ATP will eventually start showing this as a stat, like where the player chooses to return serve, where the serve is placed. It's clear that these loud sounds do not even start until the ball is on the other player's side. Then, they will outlaw sounds across the net.
Worst grunter ever was Maria Sharapova - they all do it - they all know they all do it. Alcaraz I actually like and he will do very well over the next several years. Fils not so much. Arrogant ass.
Despite the love I got for Zverez, He dropped the ball and that was classleass by him....Fil on the other hand continues to be impressive, What a season he's having
Djokovic has always been an unlikable asshole who grates on most people's last nerve just for his obnoxious attitude and thinking he's God's gift to something.
Agree Zverev's attitude was horrible especially over the underarm serve but Fils also needs to learn to not overreact to an hostile crowd and a provocative opponent because 1. He needs to protect his energy and karma and not leak it for things not aligned with his goals and values... 2. We all know how some people jump on any such normally human reactions (plus he's 20 and French so we all know how people just love to stereotype them and he doesn't have the life experience yet...) to misjudge any of us peeps with different amounts of melanin and very quickly label us "arrogant" when righteous rage for being mistreated comes out 🫠🙄
Zverev was almost leaning on the back wall to receive serve. Whether or not Fils was cramping, the underarm serve is PERFECT in this situation, just like the drop shot is the right play when defenders hang far back from the baseline. The object of tennis is to put the ball somewhere inside the lines that it will either bounce twice before the defender can get to it or cause the defender to make an error with his shot. There is nothing unsportsmanly about using all legal maneuvers to accomplish the task of winning the point. Fils literally did nothing wrong here, so Zverev can go kick rocks.
Im sorry, it is high time the under arm serve is made illegal, the receiver is standing 15 feet behind the baseline, and Fils decides to do an under arm serve at such a juncture during the match! That reeks of bad sportsmanship...
Agreed, you need to respect your opponent if they're able to pull an under arm serve. Arthur earned lots of new fans for sure. I hate seeing shitty ass hand shakes like that, tells you a lot about a person actually. 😅
