Ahead of the 2025 Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev revealed the key addition of fitness coach Jez Green to his team, a move he believes could be crucial in his pursuit of his first Grand Slam title. Green, a respected fitness trainer who previously worked with Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu, has rejoined Zverev’s team after their successful partnership from 2015 to 2021, during which the German reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the 2020 US Open.
In that final, Zverev endured a heartbreaking loss to Dominic Thiem, losing 7-6 in the fifth set after being up two sets to love. Reflecting on that match, Zverev acknowledged that fatigue played a role in the outcome. “I simply got tired in the fourth and fifth set,” he admitted, emphasizing that he didn’t want a repeat of those fitness struggles in future major finals.
Zverev sees Green’s return as key to rebuilding the physical strength and endurance that he relied on during his earlier success. “I was always very proud… I could last with anyone for as long as I wanted when I was with Jez Green,” Zverev said. He noted that his fitness had declined after Green left his team, particularly after Zverev’s 2022 injury. Now, with Green back, Zverev is focused on regaining the physical conditioning that will allow him to compete with the best players in the world.
Zverev has had an impressive run in the 2025 Australian Open, losing only two sets en route to the final. He bounced back strongly in his quarterfinal match against Ugo Humbert and semifinal clash against Tommy Paul, overcoming physical and mental challenges. Zverev is well aware that his past three Grand Slam defeats came in five-set matches, including losses to Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz. This has reinforced his determination to prevent fatigue from being a factor in his future performances.
Ahead of his final against Sinner, Zverev emphasized the importance of both the physical and mental aspects of the match, stating, “It’s going to be mental. It’s going to be a tough match for both of us. It’s going to be physical, for sure.” With Green back on his team, Zverev is confident that his fitness will no longer be a limiting factor as he aims for his first Grand Slam victory.
