Alexander Zverev gives emotional speech as Australian Open fans boo tennis star following Jannik Sinner loss
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Alexander Zverev was booed by Australian Open fans as he collected his runner-up trophy following his defeat to Jannik Sinner in Sunday's final at the Rod Laver Arena.
The German, who was participating in his third Grand Slam final, had gone into the showdown hoping to write his name into the history books.
But Zverev was crushed by Sinner, with the Italian defending his title with an emphatic 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory Down Under.
After the match, Zverev was clearly despondant. He was seen crying on the court as he talked with Sinner and, to rub salt into his wounds, some fans booed him as he collected his runner-up trophy.
Alexander Zverev was booed by Australian Open fans as he collected his runner-up trophy following his defeat to Jannik Sinner in Sunday's final at the Rod Laver Arena
GETTY
And Zverev admitted that it 'sucks' being so close to the trophy but being unable to touch or lift it.
"First of all, I mean it sucks standing here next to this trophy and not being able to touch it," he said.
"Congratulations to Jannik, you more than deserve it. You are the best player in the world by far.
"I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today but you are just too good, it's as simple as that.
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"Congratulations to your team as well, you have done all the right things so there is nobody that deserves the trophy more.
"I want to thank my team. We are trying to do all of the right work, I'm just not good enough - it is as simple as that!
"I really appreciate what everybody has done for me over the last few years, from coming back from my ankle injury to getting to world number two and playing in Grand Slam finals.
"I really appreciate everything they have done. I wouldn't be here without them."
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Despite being booed, Zverev also showed class by priasing the crowd.
He said they had been 'nothing but amazing to me' during the past two weeks.
The 27-year-old continued: “I really did think I had a chance but here I am.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lift the trophy but I’ll keep coming back, I’ll keep trying, and I’ll see you guys all next year.”
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Alexander Zverev cut a frustrated figure during his Australian Open final defeat to Jannik Sinner on Sunday
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"I also want to thank Craig [Tiley]. In my opinion, you are still the best tournament director in the world.
"You guys have no idea how difficult us players are, so give him some credit.
"He is trying to make everyone as welcome as possible and to give back to the players as much as possible.
"I hope he gets appreciation from you guys, like he does from us players, because he is putting on the best tournament in the world. It's a big thanks to him for that."
Alexander Zverev was consoled by Jannik Sinner after his defeat in the final of the Australian Open
REUTERS
Sinner now has three Grand Slams to his name, having won the Australian Open and US Open last year.
Whether he can continue his impressive streak when the French Open commences on May 25 remains to be seen.
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