Alexander Zverev capitalises on ‘tennis recession’ and powers into US Open final

US tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has sparked a social media storm with comments made about Alexander Zverev after the polarising German punched his ticket to the US Open final .

Zverev will play for his second grand slam title this year after beating Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6) in the semi-finals on Saturday morning (Australian time).

The 29-year-old is having a career best year but Rothenberg is saying Zverev’s star has only risen due to a recession in men’s tennis.

“Zverev has a 24-2 record at the majors this year. He also has a 1-2 record against top-10 opponents at the majors this year, with the lone win coming against an ailing Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon,” Rothenberg said.

With Novak Djokovic now 39 years old and legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal retired, the grand slam door is ajar.

Jannik Sinner, 25, and Carlos Alcaraz, 23, are clearly the new superstars of the sport, but Sinner is currently injured and Alcaraz has been battling a right wrist injury this year.

It’s a similar ebb to when greats such Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi retired at the start of the 21st century, and before the emergence of Federer.

But calling it a “recession” has hit nerve with fans, particularly because Rothenberg has a well documented dislike of Zverev.

In fact, Rothenberg said he would not watch the French Open final, which Zverev of course won (his first grand slam title).

Zverev’s French Open victory was followed by a Wimbledon final, where he lost to Sinner.

Rothenberg’s dislike of the tennis player stems from domestic violence accusations made against him by two former partners, including his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Brenda Patea.

Zverev has consistently denied all accusations, but Rothenberg will not let it go.

“Honestly it would be fascinating to see an economic impact study of how much money Zverev has potentially cost men’s tennis in the last six years,” Rothenberg said after the semi-final victory against Khachanov.

Fans, however, are starting to find Rothenberg’s “hatred” of the player overbearing.