THE MODERATOR: Sascha, tough luck today in doubles, but how do you feel coming in here defending your title?
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Well, if I defend my title, very well (smiling). But no, happy to be back in Paris. It's a place that, you know, is special to me, the city in general. You know, looking forward to get the tournament started tomorrow.
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.
Q. You always seem to finish the season well. Twice Nitto ATP Finals winner, winning Paris last year, final in Vienna last week. What do you think that's a testament to when a lot of the other players are kind of getting burnt out at the end of a long season?
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: Well, for me this year, I mean, I can speak about this year. This year has been different because this year I was just not healthy for a long period of time, you know, before Vienna and throughout the last couple of months.
So for me, right now I'm just enjoying being healthy. That joy kind of maybe shows it on the tennis court. You know, a lot of the older guys, you know, can understand what I'm saying. It's such an underrated feeling playing pain-free (smiling).
Yeah, right now I'm just enjoying myself on the court, and I hope I can continue showing the results that I did last week.
Q. Obviously you felt very well while playing in Bercy. What do you think of this new stadium? And do you have any regrets or are you happy that we change?
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: No, I like Bercy. I really liked it. I really loved the stadium. I haven't played on a stadium here yet. I have played on one of the other courts.
Yeah, I mean, I think there were some things that are definitely better here. I think the size for the restaurant and for the locker rooms and everything like this is for sure better here.
I think there is stuff that was maybe a little bit better in Bercy. I would say practice courts probably. The second match courts are nicer the way they look, but they're a little bit of a mess. You know, they're very loud from the other courts, right? Like, if you're playing on one of the outside courts, you have noise from Court 1, you have noise from the speakers of Stadium Court. It's a little bit of, like, there's a lot going on.
So, yeah, but again, I have not played on center court yet, and I can probably tell you more tomorrow.
Q. Welcome to Paris. We are reaching the end of the calendar. Which moment has made you the happiest?
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: This year?
Q. Yeah, in this calendar year.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I mean, winning the title on my birthday in Munich was quite a good moment for me. I think, you know, even though I lost the final, the final in Vienna was such a good step for me, being healthy, playing on a good level again, which I haven't done in a long time, so that one.
Then I have to think back. You know, there were some good moments. Also reaching the final of Australian Open I think definitely was a good moment.
But yeah, I hope I can finish the season strong and next year will be better.
Q. Despite the venue change, this tournament has always been known for the crowd and kind of the vibe. You have had some memorable matches against French players here, like Arthur Fils last year. Is playing in that away environment, is that something you relish, the atmosphere?
ALEXANDER ZVEREV: I just enjoy playing in front of an atmosphere. Whether it's for me, of course it's always nicer when the fans are cheering for you, but I also enjoy it when the fans are cheering against you, because there is still energy there, there is still noise. There is, you know, crowd support. Whether it's for me or for somebody else, it's always nicer to play in big stadiums than small ones. It's something you always dreamed of as a kid. Yeah, living the dream is always nice.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports