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Roger Federer criticises Zverev’s game as “far too passive”

Will Alexander Zverev still be able to win a Grand Slam title? Tennis legend Roger Federer believes the German can do it – provided he changes his game.

Alexander Zverev and Roger Federer met for the last time in Shanghai in 2019. – dpa

The most important things in brief

  • Alexander Zverev has been waiting for his first Grand Slam title for years.
  • Roger Federer talks about the German’s weaknesses.
  • The tennis legend describes Zverev’s game as “far too passive”.

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According to tennis legend Roger Federer, Germany’s best player Alexander Zverev continues to make the same mistakes.

“I’m not his coach, so I can speak freely. When I see him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments.” The Swiss said this at a meeting with his sponsor Wilson in Berlin.

Do you trust Alexander Zverev to win a Grand Slam tournament?

Zverev has been waiting for his first Grand Slam title for years. The Tokyo Olympic champion failed in the finals of the US Open (2020) and French Open (2024). Most recently, the 27-year-old lost in the quarterfinals in New York to American Taylor Fritz.

“Against the best players in the world, you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn’t do that against Fritz,” the 43-year-old analyzed on the sidelines of the Laver Cup in the German capital.

Roger Federer: «Titles don’t just come to you»

According to many experts, Zverev’s passivity is repeatedly his downfall in the fight for his first Grand Slam title. “Zverev fails against Zverev. He stands behind the baseline and hopes that his opponent makes a mistake.” German tennis legend Boris Becker said this back in 2021.

Everyone is sure that Zverev has the potential to win a Grand Slam. “It’s not much that’s missing,” said Federer. He called the world number two an “outstanding player with one of the best backhands” on the tour.

Roger Federer Roger Federer describes the game of tennis pro Alexander Zverev as too passive. – dpa

“But to win a Grand Slam, you have to trust your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in his body has to feel that this is the only right way.

Federer: “The title won’t just come to you. Especially not the first one.”

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More on the topic:

Alexander ZverevBoris BeckerFrench OpenGrand SlamTrainerUS OpenRoger Federer

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