World No.4 Alexander Zverev has announced that he will start working with eight-time grand slam champion Ivan Lendl at next week’s US Open.
The 21-year-old confirmed the new partnership following mass speculation in recent weeks. Zverev has been previously spotted training under the watchful eye of the Czech, but no agreement was in place. The two were seen together training in Florida last month.
“It was great. It was absolutely amazing.” Zverev told The Tennis Channel about his time with Lendl.
“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.”
Details of the new agreement is yet to be released, but the new partnership was confirmed in an Instagram post uploaded by the German. Along with the caption ‘welcome to the team Ivan Lendl.’ It is unclear as to if this will be a short or long team arrangement of if Lendl will travel outside of America. Zverev is coached by his father Alexander Sr. A former player who won two gold medals at the 1985 Summer Universiade for the Soviet Union.
The news of the partnership has also been confirmed by Jerry Solomon, who is a long-time friend and manager of Lendl.
“Sascha has a unique set of skills and a great work ethic so I am looking forward to helping him achieve his goals.” Solomon quoted Lendl as saying in a Tweet.
Lendl has previously mentored Andy Murray on the tour between 2011-2014 and spent further stints with the British player in 2016. He has also worked for the United States Tennis Association since retiring from the tour.
Heading into the final major of the year, Zverev will be seeded fourth at next week’s US Open. Despite his success on the ATP Tour, he is yet to score a breakthrough in the majors. Reaching the quarter-final stage once in 13 attempts. At the US Open, he is yet to get beyond the second round.
Zverev has won 43 out of 56 matches played so far this year. Claiming titles in Munich, Madrid and Washington.
