Alexander Zverev admitted he has an issue when it comes to competing at Grand Slams.
The German has been one of the ATP Tour’s most consistent players over the past 10 years, and is currently ranked number two in the world.
He has 23 titles to his name, two of which are the ATP Finals crown and he looks to add a third season-ending title to his resume.
But a Grand Slam title still alludes to the 27-year-old as he continues to search for the winning formula at the highest level.
What problem does Alexander Zverev say he has at Grand Slams?
Like many players in his generation, Alexander Zverev has yet to taste Grand Slam glory. He has come close, but fallen short in two finals and the former Olympic champion’s wait for a first major honour continues.
Ahead of the 2024 ATP Finals, Zverev, who lost to Carlos Alcaraz in June’s French Open final, previewed the tournament and admitted what he struggles with when it comes to playing at tennis’ four biggest and most prestigious events.
“For me it’s special to play one of the eight best players in the world from the first match on. For me I know this is a big problem of mine in other tournaments, especially in Grand Slams,” Zverev told reporters in the pre-tournament press conference.
“I play long, long matches and I play unnecessary five set matches against players which maybe I shouldn’t play five sets against. That costs me at the end of the tournament. Whereas here I know that if I don’t play my best tennis from the first point I have no chance of winning.
“It’s maybe a mindset for me which I have to carry into Grand Slams and other tournaments as well, but there’s something which motivates me to play my best against the best from the first point on.”
Who is Alexander Zverev’s first opponent at the ATP Finals?
Zverev has been placed in the ATP Finals John Newcombe group that includes Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud.
His first opponent will be 10-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Rublev, and that match is set for the evening of November 11.
The pair have played one another on nine previous occasions, and Zverev leads the head-to-head rivalry by six wins to three.
“I won the first ever year here in Turin, so there are a lot of special memories that connect me to Italy,” Zverev said ahead of the tournament.
“I am a bit out there and I think the Italian people are also a bit [out there], so it is fitting. I really love the atmosphere the Italians give.”
