Roger Federer lends blunt criticism to Alexander Zverev about Grand Slam duck

Roger Federer recently shared his thoughts on Alexader Zverev's 'passive' approach to Grand Slams and opined that he needs to trust his shots and go on the offensive in order to earn a major title. He said he felt that the German was equipped with the tools to clinch the title, but he needs to bring changes to his game.

Zverev boasts an impressive resume in tennis, having won the Olympic Gold, two Nitto ATP Finals, a career-high World No. 2 ranking, and much more. However, one thing missing from the German's impressive tennis resume is a Grand Slam title. Zverev has been in two major finals and was extremely close to winning it all on both occasions.

At the 2020 US Open final, Zverev lost to Dominic Thiem, converting his 2-0 lead into a heartbreaking defeat. Almost four years later, he had another shot at a major when he went up against Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the French Open. However, he suffered a similar fate as he lost despite holding a 2-1 lead.

Ahead of the Laver Cup in Berlin, Roger Federer, opined on Alexander Zverev's lack of success in Grand Slams and felt that the German has been too passive and too defensive in his approach during the big moments of matches.

“I'm not his coach, so I can speak freely.When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments. Against the best players in the world you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn't do that against Fritz,” Federer said via Blue News.

The 20-time major champion called Zverev an 'outstanding player with one of the best backhands' and said that he has the tools, but to win a major, playing offensively is paramount.

“There's not much missing. But to win a Grand Slam you have to trust your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in your body has to feel that this is the only right way. The title doesn't just come to you, especially not the first one.”

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"He was a role model when I was at a young age" - Alexander Zverev on Roger Federer

Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev (Source: Getty)

During an interview with the lifestyle magazine Haute Living in March 2022, Alexander Zverev called Roger Federer his role model. He commented how the Swiss would help out younger players, including him, with the business and PR aspects of the sport.

“Roger Federer was a role model when I was at a young age and just started being on tour. He’s somebody who likes to talk to young guys and give advice, which he did with me when I was 18, 19, 20; what it’s like to be on top in the rankings and how to handle media, how to handle sponsors and all that," Zverev said. "We had a lot of conversations at a younger age, and I think he helped me a lot in that regard.”

Federer and Zverev faced each other seven times in their careers with the German edging their head-to-head 4-3.

Alexander Zverev will team up with Carlos Alcaraz to take on Team World's Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton on the opening day of the 2024 Laver Cup.