Tomas Machac admitted he was “really sad” for Zhizen Zhang after defeating him to win Olympic gold in the mixed doubles event. Machac, teaming up with Katerina Siniakova—rumored to still be his partner—secured his first medal for Czechia with a dramatic 6-2, 5-7, [10-8] victory over Zhang and Xinyu Wang of China.

It was unusual for Machac and Zhang to face each other as opponents, given their regular partnership in men’s doubles on the ATP Tour. After the final, Zhang humorously remarked that their friendship was “totally broken” due to the loss. Zhang also joked about their rivalry, saying, “He destroyed my Olympic Games… everything,” though he added that their friendship remained strong despite the competitive setbacks.

Zhang, who also lost to Machac in the men’s singles event, expressed no hard feelings and aims to qualify for the ATP Finals in doubles with Machac. “We have a strong relationship. We have really good memories in doubles… Our goal is to [be in] Turin,” Zhang said. The playful banter continued in the locker room, with Machac revealing that Zhang jokingly tried to kick him out of the locker room.

Machac, despite the win, felt sympathy for his friend and rival. He shared, “I feel really sad for him, because I know how he likes to represent his country and to bring the gold medal.” Machac acknowledged Zhang’s dedication and expressed his happiness for his own achievement while wishing Zhang all the best.

Machac is not finished yet, as he is set to compete in the men’s doubles bronze playoff with Adam Pavlasek against Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul of the USA. Machac expressed his determination to secure the bronze, emphasizing the effort he and Pavlasek have put into the tournament. “I will do everything in my power to achieve that with Adam. Because I think he deserved it also,” he said.