Tennis-Zverev goads brother Mischa after French Open win

By Karolos Grohmann

PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) - World number three Alexander Zverev was in a good mood following his straight-sets win over American left-hander Learner Tien in the French Open first round on Tuesday, teasing his brother Mischa in his post-match interview.

Mischa, a former professional who was once ranked 25th in the world having won one title, is now part of Zverev's coaching staff.

"He did not warm me up today. He does not want to be on court with me any more," German Zverev joked when asked whether his brother, a left-hander, was the perfect hitting partner before his match with Tien.

"He used to be a great player but not any more. Once he said he beats me at his best. I have close to 500 match wins, he has like 50. I have 24 titles, he has one."

Although Mischa has not officially retired, the 37-year-old has not played since 2023.

"He helped me a lot in my career for sure," 28-year-old Zverev, a finalist in Paris last year, said of his older brother.

"Nowadays, I try to give back. He has a different role on my team these days. He still thinks he will come back. He tries to come back," he said.