Andy Roddick ‘frustrated’ with what he keeps hearing said about Alexander Zverev following defeat to Novak Djokovic

Andy Roddick Defends Alexander Zverev’s Tactics After French Open 2025 Loss to Djokovic

Andy Roddick expressed frustration with ongoing criticism of Alexander Zverev’s deep baseline positioning following his 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2025 quarter-finals on June 4. Speaking on his *Served* podcast, reported by The Tennis Gazette, Roddick dismissed suggestions that Zverev should move closer to the baseline as “idiotic,” arguing it plays into Djokovic’s strengths. “Novak would just create speed, and Zverev would be leaning back, hitting the same result,” Roddick said, emphasizing that Zverev’s positioning suits his powerful groundstrokes, which generated 42 winners despite the loss, per The Athletic.[](https://www.thetennisgazette.com/news/andy-roddick-frustrated-with-what-he-keeps-hearing-said-about-alexander-zverev-following-defeat-to-novak-djokovic/)

Zverev, who took the first set after breaking Djokovic early, struggled to counter Djokovic’s 35 drop shots and serve-and-volley tactics, which exposed his reluctance to approach the net, per The Independent. Roddick countered critics like Boris Becker, who suggested Zverev’s passive play and coaching setup—led by his father and brother—hindered him against top players. “Telling him to come in more ignores how Djokovic manipulates space. Zverev needs to serve and volley selectively, not overhaul his game,” Roddick argued, proposing tactical adjustments over drastic changes.[](https://www.thetennisgazette.com/news/andy-roddick-frustrated-with-what-he-keeps-hearing-said-about-alexander-zverev-following-defeat-to-novak-djokovic/)

Despite the loss, Zverev’s 80% first-serve points won in the first set showed his potential, per Infosys Stats. Roddick’s defense highlights the complexity of Zverev’s challenge, noting his 0-3 Grand Slam final record and suggesting confidence in big moments, not positioning, is key. As Zverev prepares for Wimbledon 2025, Roddick’s perspective challenges the narrative of critics like @TennisNow on X, who echoed Becker’s call for a coaching shake-up.