Alexander Zverev responds to Roger Federer’s criticism over the German’s attitude during tense moments in important matches
Alexander Zverev agrees with Roger Federer that he needs to play more aggressively in tense moments to win Grand Slams.
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Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer (Images via X)
Alexander Zverev has responded to Roger Federer‘s criticism of him ahead of the Laver Cup. Zverev agreed that if he listens to Federer’s advice, he will achieve big things in his career.
Zverev is representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup, which will be held from September 20-22 at the Uber Arena in Berlin. The 27-year-old will be playing his first match on September 20 along with Carlos Alcaraz against Team World’s Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.
The German, who is yet to win his first Grand Slam title, will be participating in the Laver Cup for the fifth time. Zverev has come close to winning a Major title multiple times, but the result has never been in his favor. In the 2024 French Open, Zverev reached the final but Alcaraz defeated him in five sets to win his first title at Roland Garros.
It's not something I don't know. It's absolutely clear to me that I didn't play the way I wanted to play. It was a horrible game on my part. From that point of view, what Roger said is absolutely correct.Alexander Zverev said at the press conference
Four-time Laver Cup champion Alexander Zverev looks to have the home crowd's support to help Team Europe regain the Cup in Berlin.
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 15, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/vWE0UYDdNy pic.twitter.com/ctefiQYac0
Here’s what Roger Federer said about Alexander Zverev
Roger Federer is “convinced” that if Alexander Zverev takes his advice, he is going to “achieve great things.” At the press conference, Federer, from his observation of Sacha’s game, stated that he resorts to playing defensively during tense moments, as the tennis legend believes winning a Grand Slam means aggressive playing.
When I watch Sascha play, what I see is someone who plays too passively, often very defensively, especially in decisive moments. It's great to defend so well; he's one of the best in that aspect, but I think to win, he needs to look for something more and take a step forward.Roger Federer said at the press conference
Federer then referenced the recent match between Zverev and Taylor Fritz at the US Open, observing that the German did not play offensively, and as a result, he missed securing a berth in the semifinals.
Zverev has met Federer seven times and edges him 4-3 in their head-to-head encounters. Their last meeting was at the 2019 Shanghai Open quarterfinals where Zverev registered his fourth win over the Swiss maestro. Federer retired in 2022 after his doubles match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
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