Alexander Zverev hopes ‘smart man’ Ivan Lendl will give him Grand Slam boost
Alexander Zverev asked Ivan Lendl to join his coaching set-up as the former world No 1 “knows what it takes” to win the biggest tournaments in the world.
The 21-year-old German has long been being touted as a future Grand Slam winner and world No 1.
He has already achieved a career-high of three in the world rankings, but he is yet to hit his strides in the majors with his best performance his quarter-final showing at this year’s French Open.
Zverev hopes Lendl can help him to get his breakthrough in the majors.
“The reason I’m with him is to compete and win the biggest tournaments in the world,” he is quoted as saying by ATPWorldTour.com. “That’s the only reason he would join, as well. It’s great having him here. Hopefully it will show in the results.”
He added: “He’s a smart man, a great guy. Done it as a player, done it as a coach, so he knows what it takes. He knows how to do it. He knows how to make the best players even better. This is why I took him.”
Lendl, of course, is an eight-time Grand Slam winner and he also has an excellent CV when it comes to coaching as he was part of Andy Murray’s team when the Brit won his three major titles and two Olympic singles gold medals.
Zverev believes Lendl, along with his father Alexander Zverev Sr., can get the best out of him.
“There’s a lot of tactical work, for sure. There’s a lot of mental work, as well, to kind of show me what it takes to compete for Grand Slams, to win Grand Slams. That for sure he has shown me a little bit.
“The training sessions are tough. The training sessions have always been tough when I work. I’m a pretty hard working guy, so I know what it takes. I’m not somebody who sits on my [behind] when I’m alone. I’m always constantly trying to figure out ways to get better. That hasn’t changed that much. The training sessions are still tough. The training sessions are tough when I’m by myself.”
Latest
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Greg Rusedski says Roger Federer was disrespectful to pull out of French Open
Federer pulled out of the French Open and confirmed he has set his sights on trying to perform at his best at Wimbledon.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic admits ‘everything is possible’ as he chases Golden Slam to crown his legacy
Djokovic is targeting victories at Wimbledon and the US Open as well as a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
-
NewsFrench Open day 15: Novak Djokovic completes second career Grand Slam, Barbora Krejcikova completes double
The story of the final day of action at Roland Garros.
-
Grand SlamNovak Djokovic one major away from equalling Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam record
Novak Djokovic one Grand Slam away from equalling the record.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic produces another roaring comeback in French Open final to win Grand Slam No 19
Novak Djokovic is your 2021 French Open men’s champion.
-
NewsJohanna Konta ends long wait for home victory with Nottingham triumph
Johanna Konta was a straight-set winner over Zhang Shuai.
-
NewsJohanna Konta ends her title drought with emphatic victory in Viking Open final
Johanna Konta is the 2021 Viking Open champion.
-
NewsBarbora Krejcikova’s dream fortnight at Roland Garros ends with French Open women’s doubles trophy
The Czech followed her singles triumph by lifting the doubles title.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal still undecided about Wimbledon as he admits ‘I need to breathe a little’ after intense period
Will Rafael Nadal feature at Wimbledon?
-
NewsFrench Open day 14: Glory for Barbora Krejcikova, mixed emotions for Maria Sharapova and French joy
The story of the penultimate day of action at Roland Garros.