World No.5 Alexander Zverev is no longer working with Juan Carlo Ferrero, according to information obtained by Spanish newspaper Marca.
The German has been working with the former world No.1 since July on what initially started out as a trial basis. It is understood that the partnership has ended due to a disagreement between the two that has been described as an ‘insuperable situation.’ 37-year-old Ferrero reportedly wanted to improved Zverev’s professionalism both on and off the court. In contrast, Zverev wanted more freedom when not taking part in tournaments.
It is unclear as to when the decision was made. Earlier this month the two-time Masters champion explained why he hired the Spaniard in the first place.
‘He’s a very hard-working guy and that [hasn’t] changed in his coaching.” He said of Ferrero in Rotterdam.
“I wanted to help out my dad a little too, as he’s been travelling for more than 40 years [by] himself and it’s not easy to do that on a daily basis.”
Ferrero’s departure comes after what has been a difficult start to the year for Zverev. At the Australian Open, he crashed out in the third round to South Korea’s Hyeon Chung. Then at the Rotterdam Open, where he was the third seed, Zverev crashed out in the second round to Andreas Seppi.
For the immediate future the 20-year-old will be mentored by his father, Alexander Zverev Sr. A former Soviet tennis player who won two gold medals at the 1985 Summer Universiade. Boris Becker is also set to play a part in his team, but it is unclear as to how often he will support. Becker is the current head of men’s tennis in Germany.
On court interview Zverev. The German star has some nice words for Boris Becker, head coach of men’s tennis, who was in his box: “He comes to a few tournaments. Boris, thanks for being here. Hopefully he likes his job and has a long time to go with us.” #abnamrowtt
— ABN AMRO WTT (@abnamrowtt) 12 February 2018
There has been no statement from Zverev regarding the departure of his coach. He will return to action next week at the Mexican Open. He will be seeded third in the draw behind Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic.
