Alexander Zverev has rallied his way into the French Open semi-finals. He reached the semifinals of the Roland Garros for the third year in a row, which further exemplifies this extraordinary feat. In his most recent match against Tomás Martín Etcheverry, the 26-year-old tennis player managed to triumph. He then made a staggering remark that caused him some backlash with regard to his thought process that ultimately got him into the semi-finals.

However, following that statement, the German tennis star may have found himself on the wrong side of former American tennis player Pam Shriver‘s criticism for his choice of words.

Pam Shriver criticizes Alexander Zverev for his abrupt choice of words 

The world number 27 is on his way to his first Grand Slam title. The Argentinian tennis player is in the quarterfinals to book his place in the semis of the Paris major. But unfortunately, the last time Zverev reached the semi-finals, his French Open campaign of brought to an abrupt end after a horrifying injury, forced him to retire midway against Rafael Nadal, last year.

But now, as things are better for the 26-year-old tennis player this year, he is all set to go for his maiden title. After winning the quarterfinal, Alex Corretja, during the post-press conference, asked the German tennis player what was on his mind during the exchange of sides. To which, Zverev replied, “Yeah, I just have to remember that I have a pair of balls, as well, that I can use.” 

READ MORE – 26-Year-Old Swiss Tennis Beauty Relishes Experimental Time With a New Sport as She Reveals Harsh Truths About Gliding on Ice

However, the 60-year-old former tennis player reacted to this comment. She expressed her anger and disgust at the abrupt choice of words. She commented on a post shared by the Tennis Channel, over Twitter, criticizing Zverev for his choice of words. Shriver wrote, “Stupid, insensitive, pathetic, tone-deaf, idiotic, impulsive, ignorant, and disgusting thing to say. The Anti Role Model is SZ.” 

Additionally, the world number 27 ranked tennis player also talked about the injury nightmare that he faced a year ago in the same tournament during the semi-final.

Zverev talks about his French Open nightmare

In a post-match press conference following his quarter-final victory, the German spoke about his injury nightmare that effectively ended his tennis season last year. The 26-year-old slipped and severely twisted his ankle during his match against Nadal, but he was willing to sacrifice everything to return to the tennis court.

Now that he is back in incredible tennis shape, he has made it obvious that he is not thinking about his injury nightmare from a year ago. And along with it, he shared his happiness about returning to the tennis court.

WATCH THIS STORY | Venus Williams and Will Smith’s emotional SAG awards

However, what do you think will the German star make his way to his first Grand Slam title this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.