Zverev splits from Ferrero
Originally published on 02/03/18 00:00
The German began working with the former world No.1 in July last summer, but after just seven months together, the pair have parted ways after a heated disagreement caused irreversible damage.
Zverev was in no mood to label his split from the Spaniard as amicable, like so many players do, and he made it abundantly clear why he is no longer working with the former French Open champion.
“We stopped with Juan Carlos, not because we had any difficulties, but because we had kind of a fight in Australia after the Australian Open – which is completely fine when it involves me and him,” said the German.
“I have those kind of arguments with Jez [physical trainer] all the time, with my dad all the time, and we are still working together. That argument [in Australia] involved my whole team, and there was a moment where he [Ferrero] was very disrespectful towards everybody in my team.
“That’s why I had to stop that relationship.”
Speculation had been mounting that Boris Becker, Novak Djokovic’s former coach, was in line to replace Ferrero, but Zverev was keen to quash those rumours.
“My team is exactly the same – apart from Juan Carlos left – so nothing changes,” added the 20-year-old. “My dad is still my coach and Jez is still my physical trainer. My brother is always there and my mum is sometimes there, and that’s my team. Nothing changes in that regard.
“I’m not going to work with Boris Becker. This is a very big misunderstanding. Everyone thinks I am going to work with him. He is the head of men’s tennis at the Germany Federation so he is going to be there at a few tournaments, be there at Grand Slams, and he is always more than welcome on my court.
“He is always more than welcome to watch my matches, and that’s how the relationship is.”
Zverev was speaking at a press conference after sealing his spot in the semi-finals of the Mexican Open in Acapulco. He defeated Ryan Harrison 6-4 6-1 to set up a mouth-watering clash with Juan Martin del Potro.
Kevin Anderson and Jared Donaldson will contest the remaining last four tie.
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