Former French star blasts Roger Federer’s ‘harsh’ comments on Alexander Zverev
Roger Federer urged Alexander Zverev to be more aggressive in key moments of the Grand Slam matches to break his duck.
Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev and Arnaud Di Pasquale (Images via X)
Former World No. 39 and French tennis star Arnaud di Pasquale has criticized Roger Federer‘s comments on Alexander Zverev. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, recently stated in his Laver Cup press conference that Zverev should be more aggressive during crucial moments in his Grand Slam matches.
Zverev has experienced several close defeats in Grand Slam tournaments, despite reaching the later rounds. One such loss came in the 2024 Roland Garros finals against Carlos Alcaraz, where Zverev was leading two sets to one.
I think we’re being pretty hard on him. He’s world number 2, so basically, doing better means being number 1. We’re being too hard on him. He’s still there and I think he’s making progress. I think he’s moving forward even if we see him falling back into his old ways.
Arnaud Di Pasquale speaking to Eurosport
The German has enjoyed plenty of success on the ATP Tour, winning an Olympic Singles Gold medal, two World Tour Finals, and several Masters 1000 titles. However, a Grand Slam title has eluded him so far.
It’s true that in important moments, he has trouble really going for it, letting go, freeing himself up like he can do when there’s a little less pressure. But overall, I think that since his injury at Roland-Garros, he’s been more offensive, he’s going for points more.
Arnaud di Pasquale added
Zverev has reached two Grand Slam finals in his career, both of which he initially led. In addition to his French Open semifinal loss to Alcaraz, Zverev also reached the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem, where he led by two sets to love but eventually lost in five sets.
Alexander Zverev’s future uncertain after suffering from pneumonia
Tennis fans received disappointing news as Alexander Zverev announced that he has pneumonia. This forced him to withdraw from the 2024 China Open shortly after the Laver Cup. The World No.2 had hoped to finish the year in the top two rankings and even challenge Jannik Sinner for the No. 1 spot.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with pneumonia, which explains my physical difficulties in recent months. I need to take care of my health in order to resume competition as quickly as possible.
Alexander Zverev explained his health to the reporters
This is a major setback for Zverev, who was set to play next at the Shanghai Masters 1000. He has had a strong season, leading the ATP Tour with 57 wins (57-18). He also won the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome and reached the finals at Roland Garros and Hamburg.
The China Open draw was revealed on Tuesday (September 24), with many first-round matches already played. Top players in the tournament include Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev. Sinner, the current World No. 1, will be aiming to defend his title. Last year, he won the China Open final by defeating Medvedev.
Fahad Hamid
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