Alexander Zverev needs to thank Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, says agent

Alexander Zverev should be thanking Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic as he attempts to move past them, says his agent.
Zverev is being widely tipped to make the breakthrough into the world’s long-established elite next season after winning the ATP Tour finals.
However, his agent, Patricio Apey believes tennis’ brilliant triumvirate have done their part in giving Zverev the opportunity to excel.
Apey, who used to represent Andy Murray, said: “He (Murray) needed to thank Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski who made the scenario of British tennis bigger than it was in the previous 50 years.
“Then with Sascha I also had a very similar conversation: he needs to thank Roger, Rafa and Novak for making the tennis scenario bigger than ever.
“And he is there to use it.
“Tennis players are like the wine.
“All the years you have wine, but in different years, time by time, an amazing, top wine comes through. And the last time that good wines came through was the 85s, 86s, 87s.
“We are speaking of Del Potro, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and Cilic.
“Then, the generation that happened after them, Raonic and Nishikori… They didn’t do many things.”
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting special: Rafael Nadal 11/10 to continue Grand Slam streak in 2019
-
Andy Murray offers possible solutions to tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts
-
Top 10: The best servers of 2018 by unique metric – does Roger Federer feature?
-
2018 Report Card: Kyle Edmund made strides but maybe missed out on leaps
-
-
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
Exclusive – Coaching legend Nick Bollettieri on the new tool that could transform the game
In the opinion of tennis coaching legend Nick Bollettieri, Slinger Bag has a huge role to play in what comes next at all levels of the game.
-
WTA Tour
World No.1 Ashleigh Barty is beaten in straight sets in shock defeat
Unseeded Spaniard Paula Badosa upset world number one Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to progress to the semi-finals.
-
Kevin Palmer
Exclusive – Coaching legend Nick Bollettieri on the looming crisis in tennis
Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri believes tennis needs to rebrand the sport quickly to avoid a huge drop off in interest.
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal kept apart in draw for Monte Carlo Masters
Novak Djokovic has avoided a possible meeting with Rafael Nadal until the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
-
Tennis Features
Daniil Medvedev needs strong clay-court season after previous struggles on the red dirt
Daniil Medvedev eyes fix for his clay woes, writes Oli Jefford.
-
ATP Tour
‘I am really happy proud of myself,’ says Lorenzo Musetti after saving four match points against Dan Evans
Musetti fights back to see off Evans in Sardegna.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty and Coco Gauff roll on in Charleston, Garbine Muguruza bows out through injury
Wins for Barty and Gauff, but Muguruza out.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father takes fresh swipe at Roger Federer, saying Swiss great is ‘not a good man’
Srdjan Djokovic has another go at Roger Federer.
-
French Open
French player hits out at French Open postponement, saying ‘it’s a pretty selfish decision’
Alize Cornet unimpressed by French Open delay.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, to work with rising star Felix Auger-Aliassime
Toni Nadal joins coaching set-up of Felix Auger-Aliassime