By Erik Gudris

Alexander Zverev took exception to 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova after she described his tactics as “pat-a-cake” tennis during his quarterfinal win at the US Open.

Zverev defeated Borna Coric in a four-set victory that sent the German into the men’s semifinals. Yet, it was Zverev’s less than aggressive play during the first part of the match that led the Hall of Famer to use that phrase.

More: Zverev Battles Into Second Straight Slam Semifinal

The 23-year-old Zverev in his post-match press conference, defended his win and his record against top players.

“Maybe she should look at my record against the big guys," he said. “Maybe she should look that I'm positive against Roger (Federer). Maybe she should look that.”

“I’ve beaten Novak (Djokovic) on multiple occasions in big matches and finals. And I'm in the semi-finals, and sometimes not playing your best and finding a way is more important than playing your best.

“But she's a Grand Slam champion, as well, multiple Grand Slam champion, she's respected, but her opinion right now does not matter to me,” Zverev added.

Nothing like posing a question in press conference without context. I said Sasha needs to play like he did in the 4th set, not the way he played the 1st 2 sets. It’s that simple. But yeah, nice journalism, whoever asked the question. I would have answered the same way Sasha did:)

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 9, 2020

I asked the question, Martina, and did try and add that in after but was cut off by the moderator. But the point still stood about his level not being good enough for those tougher guys in the tournament which was what I was trying to get across

— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) September 9, 2020

If he plays like he did in the last set he can win. Did you tell him that? Whatever. Context matters, as you well know. Should have framed it differently- this way it creates the wrong impression of what I said. And now I will try to explain that to Sasha when I see him next.

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 9, 2020