Federer Explains Explains Why Zverev Can't Win a Grand Slam

Roger Federer explained what is wrong with Alexander Zverev's game.

Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts to a point during his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy on day seven of the Cincinnati Open. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images / Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Alexander Zverev is one of the best tennis players in the world. In fact, he is ranked No. 2 and has a record of 56-17 this year, along with one title. Despite winning 450 matches in his career, Zverev has never won a Grand Slam.

The furthest he has advanced was the 2020 US Open Finals. But the major tournaments have been one of the few shortcomings of Zverev's career.

In the leadup to the Laver Cup, tennis legend and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Feder spoke about Zverev's game. Federer said, "When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments."

Federer added, "Against the best players in the world you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn't do that against Fritz."

Roger Federer says when he watches Zverev, he sees someone who plays far too passively, ‘To win a Grand Slam, you have to play far more offensively… the title doesn’t just come to you’

“When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the… pic.twitter.com/Xe42bI2lIJ

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 19, 2024

Federer concluded, "There's not much missing. But to win a Grand Slam you have to trust your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in your body has to feel that this is the only right way. The title doesn't just come to you, especially not the first one."

Zverev took the constructive criticism in stride, "That's nothing I don't know. It's absolutely clear to me that I didn't play the way I want to play. That was a terrible game from me. That's why it's completely okay what Roger said."

Zverev must wait until January to try to win another Grand Slam, but he does represent Team Europe in the upcoming Laver Cup. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

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