In a statement released on Sunday, Real Warri Pikin explained that the entire incident was an unplanned, heat-of-the-moment decision made while she was backstage enjoying the music. She admitted that she was unaware that Timaya’s performance of his hit song, “Ukwu,” involved lifting the fan who came on stage. She expressed her hesitation and initial reluctance when the singer indicated she should jump into his arms, but ultimately complied after he encouraged her not to disrupt his performance.

Taking full responsibility for her actions, the comedian asked for forgiveness from Nigerians, acknowledging that she had put herself in the situation. She concluded by directly addressing the controversy surrounding her husband’s reaction, confirming that he is currently upset with her, and humorously noting the logistical challenge of their being separated by distance while she is in America.

Reflecting on his standing, Zverev noted that while his current form puts him at the top, rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz may still hold the edge when they are fully fit and active. He candidly acknowledged that when Sinner and Alcaraz were healthy months prior, he frequently lost to Sinner, maintaining that a fully fit Sinner remains ahead of him.

Zverev attributed his championship win to a significant boost in mental fortitude, overcoming the ghosts of his heartbreaking 2020 US Open final defeat where he squandered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem. Playing before a roaring crowd of 24,000, his focus was so absolute that he momentarily lost track of the score and didn’t immediately realize he had served out the match.

Reflecting on his journey and the six-year gap between his Flushing Meadows heartbreak and ultimate glory, Zverev emphasized that 2026 is the culmination of years of relentless effort, bringing him two Grand Slam titles in the span of three months. He also shared a deeply personal tribute, celebrating his father and coach, Alexander senior, for watching from the sidelines, and praising his mother for defying medical limitations following his childhood type 1 diabetes diagnosis to ensure he could achieve his dreams.