Alexander Zverev shares ‘most important part’ of pre-season as key figure returns
Alexander Zverev has confirmed the return of fitness trainer Jez Green to his entourage after declaring physical fitness the “most important part” of his pre-season.
World No 2 Zverev began his 2025 season at the United Cup on Sunday, with the German claiming a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiago Monteiro.
The 27-year-old heads into the new year off the back of one of the most successful seasons of his career, having won 69 matches and two Masters 1000 titles in 2024.
However, a Grand Slam title still eludes Zverev, with the world No 2 having been beaten by five sets in the French Open final by Carlos Alcaraz this summer.
Zverev was also beaten in five sets by Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open and Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon, having led both matches by two sets to love.
As he looks to finally win a Slam, he has reunited with former fitness trainer Jez Green.
A former fitness coach of both Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu, Green also previously worked with Zverev from 2015 to 2021.
The German confirmed the reunion at the United Cup, with Germany in action in Perth.
He said: “I’m back with Jez Green, my fitness trainer. I worked with him for seven years, then we went our separate ways for three years.
“The physical aspect was the most important part of my pre-season. I feel I lost one or two games last year because I was tired, and I don’t want that to happen this year. They were big games.
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“It was at the Australian Open, against Daniil Medvedev, where I was a bit ill, playing with a fever, and also at Roland-Garros against Carlos Alcaraz, where I was tired.
“Again, I don’t want that to happen again, so I’m working hard on that aspect. I think [my] tennis may need more time to adapt this year than last.”
Zverev’s victory over Monteiro clinched Germany’s victory over Brazil in Perth, with Laura Siegemund having already beaten Beatriz Haddad Maia in the women’s singles rubber.
The defending champions then clinched a 3-0 whitewash with Siegemund and Tim Putz defeating Carolina Alves and Rafael Matos in mixed doubles action.
Germany next face China in what will be a straight shootout to decide who tops the group and progresses to the quarter-finals.
Zverev is set to face Zhang Zhizhen in his final round-robin rubber.
The 27-year-old played an integral role in Germany’s triumph in the mixed-team event a year ago, and the nation will look to become the first in the event’s short history to defend the title.
Following the conclusion of the United Cup, Zverev will then head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, where he is a two-time semi-finalist.
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