“Why the last? Will you die?” Alexander Zverev asked an Italian journalist with dark humor during a press conference in Turin on Sunday ahead of the ATP Finals.
The exchange began when Ubaldo Scanagatta told the newly crowned world number one that he had covered all 30 previous players to hold the top ranking during his long career, making Zverev the final one in that line.
“Why the last? Will you die?” Zverev interrupted.
Laughter immediately broke out in the press room. Group opponent Ben Shelton, sitting next to Zverev, covered his face with his hands and rubbed his eyes in surprise, while Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar also laughed.
Scanagatta took the remark in stride and clarified that his statement was meant differently.
The sharp exchange was possible due to a long-standing acquaintance between the player and the veteran tennis journalist. Scanagatta previously made headlines during the Australian Open when he fell asleep in the front row during a press conference with Rafael Nadal.
“I hate social media! I wish I had played in the 90s. You could say what you wanted, you could do what you wanted, man could have fun. And back then you were still allowed to have humor,” Zverev said.
Zverev turns his focus to the competitive schedule in Turin as he aims for his third ATP Finals crown, having previously won the tournament in London in 2018 and Turin in 2021.
