Zverev brothers put camaraderie on display in D.C.



WASHINGTON, D.C. — Brothers that play together, stay together? Mischa and Alexander Zverev lit up the Citi Open on Thursday night when they competed against each other for the first time in an ATP main draw.

It was a family friendly affair, with both brothers thrilled to be on the same court as each other.

"Some of you guys make it sound like it was unbelievable stressful experience. No, we enjoyed it," Alexander said. "We liked playing each other. We enjoyed the time on court."

Alexander Zverev, left, of Germany, walks off the court with his brother Mischa Zverev after Alexander Zverev's 6-3, 7-5 win during the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, ranked No. 3, would oust his big brother, 6-3, 7-5.

"Personally, a lot of different feelings," 30-year-old Mischa said. "First of all, I was happy. I was proud."

"I hope it happens again," Alexander said.

Instead of any hard feelings, the duo marched off the court together and went off to win their doubles match over top seeds Mate Pavic and Oliver Marach. The Germans also thrilled fans and press by answering questions side by side.

There were plenty of jokes and quips at each other...

"It's more like I just want to play well, and whatever happens, happens," the world No. 42-ranked Mischa said. "We don't have [hate]. We have that more when we play cards, or Playstation, like soccer."

"There's so much hate when we play FIFA," Alexander said.

The Zverevs sat down with Justin Gimelstob at the Tennis Channel desk:

But they also expressed a ton of emotion and appreciation for one another.

"The year that Mischa was injured [in 2014]," Alexander said. "He was traveling with me quite a lot and just helping me to play different kind of players. To tell me how to act on the big courts.

"I still tell him he doesn't realize how good he is."

ATP & WTA Washington D.C.

Catch all the action from the Citi Open with live coverage from three courts on Tennis Channel Plus beginning Monday, July 30th at 2:00 PM ET. All matches also available on-demand.