(VIDEO) "You’re done today, You can go home that’s fine": Alexander Zverev hilariously hijacks Schett's interview to ask brother Mischa questions

Friday, 23 January 2026 at 15:43

Alexander Zverev set to represent Germany in 2025 Davis Cup Finals

Alexander Zverev had already done the job. By reaching the last 16 of the Australian Open, he had fulfilled his immediate sporting objective — everything that followed felt like a bonus. What came next was a relaxed and genuinely hilarious on-court interview with Barbara Schett, during which the German grabbed the microphone, turned Rod Laver Arena into a stage and delivered one of the most entertaining television moments of the tournament.

After his four-set win over Cameron Norrie, Zverev was unusually at ease — and it showed.

“Why not?” — Zverev refreshingly satisfied

Barbara Schett opened with praise and a familiar observation: Zverev is often his own harshest critic. Was he happy with his performance this time?

Zverev smiled and replied: “Yeah, why not? To be honest, the last two matches, I thought they were fantastic matches. Both opponents challenged me, but they challenged me because they were playing really good tennis. I was up for the task.”

He was particularly generous in his assessment of Cameron Norrie: “Today, Cameron, I thought, probably played the best match that we’ve ever played, just level-wise. Yeah, happy with the win and happy to move forward.”

Aggressive — but still self-critical

When Schett asked what he was most proud of from the match, Zverev surprised everyone with his trademark self-irony: “Yeah, I actually thought I was serving bad. Should we ask the crowd? It’s late.”

Instead, he highlighted another area of his game: “I thought I was hitting my forehand quite big and quite well. Moving forward, I think that’s the shot that’s going to make me win or make me lose. If I’m hitting it that way and if I feel confident in that shot, it’s always very important.”

Brother Mischa, left-handed — and suddenly part of the show

Schett then steered the conversation towards left-handers — traditionally awkward opponents — and Zverev’s brother Mischa, who was sitting in the players’ box. Did Alexander warm up with him?

Zverev replied dryly: “He doesn’t step on the court with me anymore.”

Why not? Zverev turned towards the stands: “Ask him. He’s right there. Give him the mic.”

When Schett pointed out that Mischa was too far away, Zverev took matters into his own hands: “I’ll run to him.” Before jogging off, he added with a grin: “So, you’re done today. You can go home. That’s fine.”

“Why do you hate playing tennis with me?”

With the microphone now in his hand, Mischa Zverev wasted no time: “So why do you hate playing tennis with me? Because I destroy your rhythm. I shank too many balls.” Alexander immediately fired back: “But isn’t it the opposite then? If you shank too many, then I have to have perfect rhythm on the court.”

Mischa persisted: “But what if you don’t? Then it’s my fault. But if you lose, it’s going to be your fault anyway.”

The conclusion came quickly: “You’re right. It’s a lose-lose for me. But you’re doing well, so we’ll keep it that way. Are we done?”

The haircut deal: hair on the line?

Barbara Schett reclaimed the microphone and reminded Zverev of a bet they had made in Vienna a few months earlier. Zverev explained: “If I win the Australian Open, we are both cutting our hair.”

Schett laughed and corrected him: “That’s not true. He is cutting his hair. You are cutting your hair. It’s a deal?” Zverev added a twist: “Yes, but with you at the barbershop.”

Schett hesitated: “I’m going to cut mine like this much.” Zverev raised the stakes: “You decide my haircut and I decide yours. How’s that?”

Schett stayed cautious: “I’ll have to think about that. Keep on winning, Sasha. Congratulations.” Zverev had one final punchline ready: “I asked your husband. He’s fine with it.”

Schett laughed: “I’m not so sure about that. To be continued.”

More than just a win

As the arena applauded and Schett wrapped things up, Zverev left the court not only as a fourth-round qualifier — but as the unexpected entertainer of the night.

The tournament now moves back into serious mode. But this moment showed that when Alexander Zverev is relaxed, he can do more than control a tennis match — he can command the microphone too.

Primary source: Eurosport and TNTSports on YouTube

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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