German reveals ‘secret’ which helped Alexander Zverev upset Novak Djokovic

Mischa Zverev has credited a lucky wristband as the secret to Alexander Zverev’s shock victory over Novak Djokovic in the Olympic semi-final.

The world number one was striving to become only the second person since Steffi Graf in 1988 to complete a Golden Slam, but saw his hopes crushed by the number four seed 1-6 6-3 6-1.

Discussing his brother’s victory in the Eurosport Cube, Mischa said it was the change into German colours that started his revival.

“He was actually down 1-6, 2-3 with Novak Djokovic serving and then he changed his wristbands from the bright pink or red whatever it is, to black and white,” said Mischa.

“This is the German colour and I thought ‘now he’s going to turn it around.’ I guess the wristband was the secret in the end.”

Zverev will now face Karen Khachanov of the Russian Olympic Committee in Sunday’s gold medal match.