Zverev offers prize money for Australian bushfire relief fund: "I'll donate every single cent"

Alexander Zverev kicked off his 2020 Australian Open campaign with a straight sets victory over Italian Marco Cecchinato. The World number 7 then proceeded to pledge his entire winnings to the bushfire relief fund, should he win the trophy.

“I always make it hard for myself, but there was a lot of high level tennis. I really appreciate the fans staying out late. I will donate $10,000 for every match I win here and I know I’m not the favourite to win this event, but I’ll donate every single cent to the bushfire relief fund if I win the title.” Zverev said in his post-match interview on Margaret Court Arena.

The German notched his first win of the 2020 season, having lost all three of his matches at the inaugural ATP cup a few weeks ago.

“I didn't play well at the ATP Cup, everybody saw that,” said Zverev. “I was struggling a lot with my serve, I was struggling a lot with my groundstrokes. I think I was much more stable [today] than I was there. This is a positive for me. Obviously, there's a lot still to build.”

Having been dubbed a successor to the Big 3, the young German is yet to breakthrough at a Grand Slam. With this win in his pocket, perhaps he will gain the confidence required to put up a strong showing. His philanthropic efforts will only serve as extra motivation in his quest for his maiden major title.

Zverev will face Belarusian Egor Gerasimov in his second round match.

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