On his Served with Andy Roddick podcast on June 7, 2025, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick identified Alexander Zverev’s inability to win a Grand Slam as “the biggest knock” against the German star, despite his consistent high-level performance. Roddick, analyzing Zverev’s 2025 season, said, “The biggest knock on Zverev is that he hasn’t won a major. He’s been to a couple finals, he’s been close, but for someone with his talent, that’s what people point to,” per Tennis.com. Zverev, currently ATP No. 3, reached the 2020 US Open and 2024 Australian Open finals but has yet to claim a major title, a gap that overshadows his 24 ATP titles, including six Masters 1000s, per ATP Tour.
Zverev’s Grand Slam Record
Zverev, 28, has faced top-10 players 18 times in Grand Slams, winning only five matches, per EssentiallySports. His closest calls include the 2020 US Open final loss to Dominic Thiem (2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6)) after leading by two sets and the 2024 Australian Open final defeat to Jannik Sinner (3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3), per ESPN Australia. Roddick noted Zverev’s mental lapses, particularly in high-stakes matches, saying, “He’s had moments where he’s let matches slip, like against Sinner in Melbourne or even Thiem. That’s where the narrative comes from,” per Tennis.com. Zverev’s 2025 French Open quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4) further fueled criticism, per BBC Sport.
Context of Roddick’s Critique
Roddick’s comments came amid Zverev’s recent defense of his season at the Halle Open, where he pushed back against detractors, saying, “Everyone is so incredibly surprised when I win… I’m still world number three,” per @Welovetennis. Roddick acknowledged Zverev’s achievements, like his 2025 Munich ATP 500 title and Rome Masters 1000 defense, but emphasized the weight of expectations: “He’s got the game to win multiple Slams, but at 28, time’s not infinite,” per Tennis.com. Zverev’s 23-12 record this year, including early exits in Indian Wells (R2) and Monte-Carlo (R1), has drawn scrutiny, per ATP Tour.
Zverev’s Response and Outlook
Zverev, aware of the narrative, told reporters in Halle, “I came back from a serious injury and got to number two… I believe I can do it [win a Slam],” referring to his 2022 ankle injury, per Footboom1. Facing Sebastian Fils in Halle’s second round, he aims to build momentum for Wimbledon 2025 (June 30–July 13), where his best result is the fourth round, per BBC Sport. X posts, like @pavyg, highlight his defiance, noting his 24 titles, but the Grand Slam question persists, per @pavyg.
