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Alexander Zverev ‘plays far too passively’ claims Roger Federer

Matthew Johns
Matthew Johns
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Roger Federer has revealed what he thinks is holding Alexander Zverev coming back from becoming a Grand Slam champion, with the German’s brother defending him and claiming that he can ‘become No.1’.Both Federer and
Zverev are currently in Berlin for the Laver Cup, with the latter making a joint-record fifth appearance at the event. It has been a successful season for Zverev, who claimed his sixth Masters 1000 title in Rome and subsequently reached the Roland Garros final, with these results helping him to match his career-high of World No.2. However, there was disappointment for Zverev in that Roland Garros final, who lost to Carlos Alcaraz from two-sets-to-one up.
This is the second time that Zverev has been a set away from a Grand Slam title, having been two sets up against Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final. And someone who knows a thing or two about winning Grand Slam titles is Federer, who has explained what he thinks is missing for Zverev in these big matches. “Against the best players in the world you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He [Zverev] didn’t do that against [Taylor] Fritz (US Open quarter-final),” claimed Federer. “When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments. There’s not much missing. But to win a Grand Slam you have to trust your shots and play more offensively.”
Federer has been responded to by Alexander Zverev’s former
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ATP pro brother, Mischa, who told Eurosport that he didn’t see the comments as criticism. “It’s not criticism. Roger was asked something, he answered openly and honestly,” said Mischa Zverev. “He understands the game, that’s quite clear. He knows tennis. Sascha [Alexander Zverev] also understands the game, he also knows tennis. The way to the top is a process. Sascha is currently No. 2 in the world.” Mischa continued, “There are a lot of people – not Roger, but people in general – who are constantly saying or writing something. But you must not forget that he is world No. 2, and he can become No. 1 just as easily. He is doing what he is doing quite well. “Of course, Roger is right, just like many others, that there are situations in which you can play or act differently. But when you look back, every player knows something about themselves or someone else that they could have done better – regardless of whether they win or lose.” Federer will be able to watch Alexander Zverev’s game again later today, when the German teams up with Carlos Alcaraz for Team Europe.
Inside the baseline…If anyone knows tennis then it is Roger Federer, so he is well within his right to comment on anyone’s game. Alexander Zverev has been very consistent at the Grand Slams this year, but it is clear that something gets to him in the big moments. And with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner taking all the majors this year, and Novak Djokovic also still a big presence, Zverev needs to take his opportunities while they are there.
READ NEXT – Laver Cup 2024 Preview: Everything you need to know about the event
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