Legendary Roger Federer revealed that he told Alexander Zverev to be more aggressive from the baseline while playing the crucial points of the big matches. The Swiss observed the German was a bit passive when he was playing the big moments of the game.
Zverev was finally able to end his Grand Slam hoodoo when he won the Roland Garros in Paris this season. The German defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in the summit clash.
Zverev then qualified for the Wimbledon final but could not cross the last hurdle against Jannik Sinner. However, the lanky player’s season became better when he won the US Open after beating home favorite Ben Shelton in the final.
Federer expressed his delight that Zverev is finally a Grand Slam champion.
Federer said on Sports Illustrated, “Given his ability, these two titles were long overdue. That’s why I was incredibly happy for him.
“He dared to play bold tennis even in the big matches.”
He argued: “Many others, including myself, have advised him for years to be more aggressive from the baseline and to dictate the game more. In the important moments, he often had the problem that he became too passive.”
Federer finished with a brief word on Alcaraz, adding: “Alcaraz has an incredible amount of talent – so much so that at times he still has to learn how to handle it himself.”
Zverev is now all set to be the World No.1 in the PIF ATP rankings after Jannik Sinner announced the end of his season due to a knee injury.
Zverev will face Spain’s Martin Landaluce in the opening round of the Vienna Open.
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