Ex-ATP Pro Backs Alexander Zverev to Find a Solution to Ending His Grand Slam Drought
Alexander Zverev and Germany crashed out of the 2026 United Cup in Perth, Australia.
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Alexander Zverev (via ATP Tour)
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Alexander Zverev is still searching for his first Grand Slam title, despite being one of the best players of his generation. The former World No. 2 has reached three major tournament finals in his career but has failed to win any of them, including the 2025 Australian Open final loss to Jannik Sinner.
Zverev’s first Grand Slam final came at the 2020 US Open against Dominic Thiem. He had won the first two sets and was looking set to win the match and lift the title in Flushing Meadows. But, Thiem produced a fantastic comeback to win the match 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 and win his only career Slam.
He got his second opportunity to win a major at the French Open in 2024 and was leading Carlos Alcaraz two sets to one before losing the last two sets. The third chance came at the 2025 Australian Open final, where he produced a dispirited performance, losing in straight sets against Sinner.
The German star has been heavily criticized by tennis legend Boris Becker for being lackluster in his desire to win a Grand Slam. For Becker, Zverev remains one of the most talented players who might end up not winning a Slam in his career. But Zverev has often defended that winning a major title has been his heart’s desire.
During a conversation on Off Court with Greg podcast, former ATP player Greg Rusedski highlighted that Zverev has a chance to win his first Grand Slam this season. The former British No.1 noted that if Zverev ever wins a Slam, he will have to beat the two top stars (Alcaraz and Sinner):
He talked about being two sets to one up at the French, the one in New York was the most painful. He has done exceptionally well, but again, he’s got to beat Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back. He’s got to find solutions, ways to push through. It’s always second serve and forehand at the crunch time, can he actually push through those areas, and if he’s done, he’s in the mix. But also, he’s talked a little bit about losing that intensity and drive, and he needs to get that back.
Zverev kicked off his 2025 campaign at the United Cup, representing Germany. He won his opening match against Dutch Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets, but lost to Polish star Hubert Hurkacz, which led to Germany crashing out of the tournament despite winning the title in January 2024.
Greg Rusedski says Alexander Zverev is expecting a child with his girlfriend
Alexander Zverev became a first-time father in 2021 when his former partner Brenda Patea gave birth to a daughter named Mayla. The German had a change of perspective after the birth of his daughter, declaring last year that he aims to leave a good legacy on tour as he’s making a behavioral change.
During the aforementioned conversation, Greg Rusedski noted that Zverev is expecting a child with his current girlfriend and model, Sophia Thomalla. The former ATP player noted that the coming of a baby will surely motivate and push Zverev to win his maiden Grand Slam this season:
But the good news for him is he’s expecting a child with his girlfriend, when that happens, maybe that gives him the impetus or motivation for him to push on and win that major that he hasn’t done so far in his career. But it is a big ask with the big two [Alcaraz and Sinner].
Zverev will not play in any other tournament ahead of the Australian Open after Germany crashed out of the United Cup. The World No.3 will be heading straight to Melbourne for the Australian Open, where he finished as a runner-up. Meanwhile, his rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will play an exhibition match in South Korea before traveling for the first Grand Slam of the year.
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