Swiss tennis great Roger Federer believes Alexander Zverev needs to change his approach at Grand Slam events to win his maiden title.
Zverev, who is currently ranked No.2 in the PIF ATP rankings, is a two-time runner-up at major events. In 2020 he led Dominic Thiem by two sets before losing in five at the US Open. More recently, at this year’s French Open, he led Carlos Alcaraz 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, in the final but ended up losing. Despite his lack of success at the big events, the German has won 22 ATP titles which includes the 2018 ATP Finals and six Masters 1000 tournaments.
As to what Zverev needs to do to end his Grand Slam drought, Federer believes he needs to be playing less passive during crucial points of matches.
“I see someone who’s playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most,” Federer told reporters on Wednesday during a press conference for this weekend’s Laver Cup.
“I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him.”
Zverev is among a group of top 10 players representing Team Europe in the Laver Cup this year. Also taking part is Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud. In comparison, the only top 10 player in Team World is US Open finalist Taylor Fritz.
One notable absence from the event is Novak Djokovic who played an exhibition match earlier this week in Bulgaria before heading to China. The Serbian was one of Federer’s on-court rivals with the two clashing on the Tour 50 times. Djokovic won 27 of those matches.
“Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let’s say a full season — he didn’t bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older,” Federer commented.
“I feel like he has chances moving forward.
“I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam. I think he’s definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alcaraz.
“I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow.”
Federer is a co-founder of the Laver Cup which is named after Rod Laver. He played his last professional match at the event in London two years ago. Since then, he has remained involved in the sport but in a different capacity.
“I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” he said.
“I feel I ripped the band aid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites, I still feel I belong there.
“I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly.
“People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you’re like ‘exactly — if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.”
43-year-old Federer ended his career with 103 ATP titles and earned more than $130M in prize money.
