Alexander Zverev: I would rather play without spectators than not play at all

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Former World No. 3 Alexander Zverev says that he would be happy to start playing tennis matches behind closed doors without spectators rather than not play any tennis at all. The German, currently ranked No. 7, spoke to DPA in an interview from Florida, United States with his family where he has been spending the lockdown period.

'At the end of the day I would rather play without a spectator than not play at all. Even if it were a shame. But if it's safer, why not? The biggest problem is that we have to travel from all over the world. I think that travel restrictions are the biggest problem we have in tennis." The Australian Open semi-finalist says he would rather play than exercise but is doing his best to remain fit in the meantime.

"I would rather play than exercise. That's obvious. But you have to see the positive in everything. We'd all rather be playing the clay court season in Europe now, but because that doesn't work, we just use the time to prepare as best we can for the moment when it starts again." The German also spoke about using the crisis as an opportunity to reflect on living in more harmony with nature.

"I think that people can enjoy simple things more. Spending time with friends, just having a good meal. Things like that are more valued now. And maybe we will finally take a closer look at our climate, the environment, and our planet in general. I do believe that you can take something positive from this time."