Alexander Zverev knows he's not the favorite or one of tennis' Big Three — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer. But the No. 7 seed in the Australian Open is giving local fans a reason to root him.
Zverev, who advanced to the semifinals Tuesday by dispatching Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals, told fans on Day 2 that he would donate the entire $4.12 million in prize money to the brushfire relief fund if he won the Australian Open.
"I know I'm not the favorite to win this event, but if I win, I'm going to donate every single cent (of prize money) to the bushfires," the 22-year-old German declared before a capacity Margaret Court Arena.
Bushfires have been burning out of control around Australia since September, destroying homes, killing 29 people and almost 5 million wild animals.
Alexander Zverev has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. (Photo: Graham Denholm, Getty Images)
Zverev, ranked No. 4 in the ATP rankings, is having his best performance in a Grand Slam event – just two wins away from the grand prize. He had previously reached the quarterfinals of the French Open the past two years.
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After Tuesday's quarterfinals victory, he was asked by reporters if the bet was still on.
"Yes, it is still true," Zverev said. "I made the people of Australia a promise, and I will keep that promise. I hope I can make it happen. … I'm not a money-driven person. Four million Australian dollars is nice, I could buy myself some cars, or something, but families need to rebuild their houses and their lives. It's much more important they get that money."
In a separate interview with ESPN, Zverev said: "I'm not Roger (Federer), I'm not LeBron James. But I know there are people now who actually need the money and depend on it. There is much better use than I have right now."
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