Alexander Zverev ‘has not developed his game’ claims former Wimbledon champion
Former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich says Alexander Zverev was unable to develop his game and take the “next step” in his career.
Ever since Zverev joined the ATP Tour as a teenager, big things have been expected of him. He has also achieved a lot, including winning his 21 titles in his career, reaching the US Open finals, and reaching his second place in the world rankings in 2022.
However, the 26-year-old has consistently failed to develop into a serious contender for the majors, and flaws in his game become apparent as he is overtaken by younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. became.
According to Stich, this is something Zverev must master if he wants to become a truly elite player.
Stich said on the Sky Sports Germany podcast: “For the most part, many observers’ judgments are well-intentioned; they actually want him to take the next step to become an even better tennis player.
“I think he always thinks of it as a criticism of himself and his game, but it’s really not.” In my opinion, he’s improved his game in the last 3-4 years. I haven’t been able to develop it further. Only he knows if he can do it and if he wants to do it. ”
Zverev finished the year ranked 7th and competed in the ATP Finals in Turin, where he had previously won.
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This should be seen as a positive result considering he started the season with a serious foot injury at Roland Garros last year.
In this respect, Stich would like to pay tribute to Zverev.
“This year was a strong comeback year,” he said. “I have to say it clearly because it was unexpected. He attended the finale.
“If someone had said to him in the summer, “Well, you made the last eight in Turin,” he would have looked at you a little strangely at first. But he did it.”
Alexander Zverev ‘strong comeback year’
When Alexander Zverev fell on his ankle in the Roland Garros semi-final against Rafael Nadal, a scream could be heard. When replays showed what had happened, no viewer could have watched without gawking.
He left the pitch in a wheelchair and returned shortly afterwards on crutches to concede the match. Scans the next day revealed significant damage to the ligaments in his foot.
Congratulations Zverev!
If anyone saw his injury against Nadal at Roland Garros in 2022, it would be a miracle that Zverev is playing today. pic.twitter.com/j4S40H24Rj
– Alex Paxton (@alex_paxton01) 5. September 2023
At this point, a slow return to court was guaranteed and the chances of a smooth process seemed highly unlikely. However, Zverev has performed very well this season.
He won two titles: the ATP 500 in Hamburg and the ATP 250 in Chengdu. He also had a productive year in the majors, reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros and the last eight at the U.S. Open.
Zverev struggled against higher ranked players. He won only 7 of 24 matches against players ranked in the top 10. Overall, I have to agree with Stich that Zverev’s return year was as strong as anyone expected.
This injury clearly changed Zverev’s outlook on his career.
“After an injury like that, I really appreciate the hard days and the fun days,” he said. “You enjoy being on the pitch. Most players realize this when they stop playing tennis because they don’t have this serious injury.
“Of course I didn’t want this injury to happen, but it made me grow and understand what tennis really means.”If I ever get to this level again Once I reach that point, once I win a Grand Slam and become number one in the world, then maybe I can look back and say it was all worth it. ”
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