World No.3 Alexander Zverev has spoken out about his recent meeting with Ivan Lendl after rumours circulated that the two may be working together in the near future on a permanent basis.
Eight-time grand slam champion Lendl was spotted in Florida training with the German player. The 58-year-old has previously mentored Andy Murray on the tour between 2011-2014 and spent further stints with the British player in 2016. Lendl has also worked for the United States Tennis Association since retiring from the tour.
“It was great. It was absolutely amazing.” Zverev told The Tennis Channel about his time with the Czech.
“He came down to Florida and did a few days (training) with us. Hopefully this can be something that can work out in the future, but for now I’m happy with the coaching staff I have.“
Currently mentoring Zverev on the tour is his father, Alexander Sr, who is a former player himself. Representing the Soviet Union, he won two gold medals at the 1985 Summer Universiade and reached a ranking high of 175th that same year. Competing mainly on the Challenger tour, Alexander Sr won two titles on the circuit during his career.
“I’m happy with my dad.” Said Zverev. “My dad is somebody that is always welcome to new ideas. Always welcome to trying something out.”
One new thing in the future could potentially include a more prominent and regular position for Lendl. In the past, he has enlisted the help of 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero. The partnership broke down earlier this year following an argument. Zverev accused the Spaniard of being ‘disrespectful’ to other members of his team following a ‘fight’ between the two.
Despite the blip with Ferrero, Zverev believes the addition of Lendl would suit him. Drawing parallels between Lendl’s and his father’s coaching techniques.
“I think they have the same mentality, the same way of practicing.” He explained.
“They are always very intense, they don’t give you a lot of breaks. They do similar exercises, so hopefully this can work out in the future.”
Brotherly love in Washington
The 21-year-old is currently playing at the Citi Open as he bids to win the tournament for the second year in a row. Thursday will be a milestone for the Zverev family as the top seed takes on older brother Mischa. Making it the first time the two brothers have played against each other on the ATP World Tour.
“It’s going to be an interesting day. Something to look forward to.” Zverev said about the upcoming clash.
“I mean, who can say that two brothers have played against each other in one of the biggest tournament in the world.
“This is an absolutely amazing experience, hopefully it will be an amazing match. I think we are both ready for it.”
Outside of the ATP World Tour, the Zverev brothers have played against each other twice in qualifying matches. Mischa, who is nine years older than Alexander, won both of those encounters in Dallas (2012) and Houston (2014).
“One is when I was 14 years old, so that doesn’t really count,” Alexander told atpworldtour.com, “and the other time when I was 15 and a half. It was a very, very long match… and at some point, because I was quite skinny still and not very fit, I started cramping in the third set, 3-2, so I retired.”
The upcoming clash will be only the tenth time in history that two brothers have played against each other on the ATP World Tour.
