Alexander Zverev admits he has a ‘big problem’ at Grand Slams ahead of the ATP Finals

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 3: Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts during his quarterfinal match against Taylor Fritz of the United States on day nine of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center on September 3, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Susan Mullane/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

When it comes to competing at Grand Slams, Alexander Zverev has admitted that he has a problem with his competition.

Over the course of the past ten years, the German player has been one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour. He is currently ranked number two in the world.

He currently holds 23 titles, two of which are the ATP Finals crown, and he is interested in adding a third season-ending title to his resume. He has already won two of these titles.

Although he is still in the process of looking for the winning formula at the highest level, the 27-year-old still has the goal of winning a Grand Slam title in his sights.

At Grand Slam tournaments, what is the issue that Alexander Zverev claims he faces?
Alexander Zverev, like many other players of his generation, has not yet experienced the glory of a Grand Slam tournament. Although he has come close, he has not been successful in either of the two finals, and the wait for the former Olympic champion to win his first major honour continues.

Ahead of the 2024 ATP Finals, Zverev, who was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the French Open in June, provided a preview of the tournament and admitted that he faces challenges when it comes to competing at the four most prestigious and largest tennis tournaments.

It is a unique experience for me to be able to compete against one of the eight best players in the world from the very first match onwards. “For me, I am aware that this is a significant issue that I face in other tournaments, particularly in Grand Slams,” Zverev stated to the reporters during the press conference that took place prior to the tournament.

“I play matches that are extremely lengthy, and I play matches that are unnecessary matches that last for five sets against players who I probably shouldn’t play five sets against. It will be a loss for me at the conclusion of the competition. On the other hand, I am aware that if I do not play my best tennis from the very first point, I will have no chance of defeating the opponent.

“It’s possible that it’s a mindset for me that I have to carry into Grand Slams and other tournaments as well, but there’s something that motivates me to play my best against the best from the very beginning,” she said.