NEW YORK — Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone for all the kind words and messages over the past 24 hours or so.
I cannot say I root for Alexander Zverev’s success on any level, but now that he’s won two major titles this year, I’ve seen how his moments in the sun reflect new light onto his past, and thereby illuminate, animate, and agitate the base of tennis fans who still cannot abide moving past the abuse accusations first leveled against him nearly six years ago.
Even after his blanket denials. Even after investigations and court cases with murky resolutions. Even after so much of the tennis world has tried to move on and forget this topic.
During his second major title run, a particularly large number of the viral videos and posts about Zverev’s past have highlighted my work reporting on his first accuser and the ensuing legal saga—particularly by Ian Lightfoot and Eliza Orlins—so I want to thank the hundreds of new Bounces subscribers who have come on board due to their endorsements and support. (And to the many more people who have followed my fairly anemic Instagram, too.)
Though I don’t normally cover Zverev’s matches, I resolved to attend and cover Sunday’s men’s final because Ben Shelton was playing in it with a chance at history for American men’s tennis, having a chance to end the 23-year drought. Given how closely I’ve covered his career, it didn’t feel fair to him on any level not to show up for this occasion.
Alas, it didn’t go great for him, from the very first game.
To continue reading, please subscribe! The U.S. Open sale here is nearly over! Thanks for your support of Bounces! —Ben