{
  "id": 9295930,
  "title": "'What the heck?' Alcaraz quizzes Zverev about US Open championship point",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/what-the-heck-alcaraz-quizzes-zverev-about-us-open-championship-point-9295930",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T07:49:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/racquet-sports/2026/09/1539253/what-heck-alcaraz-quizzes-zverev-about-us-open-championship"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In New York earlier this month, Alexander Zverev secured his first US Open title with a four-set victory over Ben Shelton. However, as his opponent hit long on the championship point, the German player returned to the baseline and appeared completely unfazed. When Zverev was quizzed about the moment by his Team Europe teammate Carlos Alcaraz, the Spaniard was left puzzled and exclaimed, \"What the heck?\" Zverev's nonchalance about the crucial moment was a source of astonishment for Alcaraz, who had watched the match at home. Zverev explained that his lack of anxiety was what helped him secure the title, adding humorously, \"When you're stupid, it helps.\" The two players, along with other Team Europe members, are gearing up for the upcoming Laver Cup event in London. The competition, which includes players from both Team Europe and Team World, is set to begin on Friday and will feature notable names such as Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jodar, Andre Agassi's team, and others.",
  "summary": "LONDON: Alexander Zverev has revealed to rival Carlos Alcaraz what was going through his head as he served for the US Open title in New York earlier this month — absolutely nothing.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alexander Zverev wins US Open title against Ben Shelton",
    "Carlos Alcaraz questions Zverev's calm demeanor during championship point",
    "Zverev attributes nonchalance to his intelligence, humorously"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "'What the heck?' Alcaraz quizzes Zverev about US Open championship point",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/what-the-heck-alcaraz-quizzes-zverev-about-us-open-championship-point",
        "published": "2026-09-23T04:17:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}