Alexander Zverev is determined to achieve his Grand Slam dream as he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open. Despite past near-misses, including heartbreaking finals and a semifinal loss, he remains optimistic. Zverev’s recent exhibition match against Novak Djokovic showcased his resilience. As he aims for victory, he acknowledges the urgency of the situation, with tennis legend Boris Becker stressing the need for success within the next 18 months. Embracing change, Zverev is ready to adopt a more aggressive playing style.
Alexander Zverev: Chasing His Grand Slam Dream
Alexander Zverev is on the verge of fulfilling his long-awaited Grand Slam aspirations, having faced multiple near-misses in his career. With the Australian Open just around the corner, he’s gearing up for another opportunity. However, time is not on his side, as tennis legend Boris Becker warns that Zverev has less than two years to claim that elusive title.
A New Beginning in Melbourne
With a smile, Zverev took his recent defeat in stride. Just prior to the Australian Open, he participated in a light-hearted exhibition match against world number one, Novak Djokovic, under the dazzling lights of the Rod Laver Arena. Although he lost the match 6:7 (6:8), the atmosphere remained upbeat. Djokovic complimented Zverev, noting, ‘He looks good, his serve is strong.’
The Australian Open, often referred to as the Happy Slam due to its vibrant ambiance along the Yarra River, has captured Zverev’s heart. ‘I love Australia,’ he expressed enthusiastically before the tournament commenced, adding, ‘The vibe is just great, everyone seems very, very happy.’
However, Zverev’s journey to Australia isn’t purely for enjoyment; he’s on a serious mission. At 27 years old, he’s often cited as one of the greatest players in tennis history who has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, a fact he considers a blemish rather than an accolade. ‘I have won many tournaments that I dreamed of winning. One dream is still open: that of a Grand Slam,’ Zverev stated earnestly. Despite an impressive season that saw him rise to the number two ranking and achieve 69 wins, including Masters titles in Rome and Paris, he views it as ‘not a success’ without that Grand Slam victory.
Zverev has faced heart-wrenching defeats in his quest for glory. He came up short in dramatic five-set finals at the French Open against Carlos Alcaraz and at the US Open against Dominic Thiem. Last year, he stumbled in the Australian Open semifinals, losing to Daniil Medvedev after holding a two-set lead—a moment his girlfriend Sophia Thomalla pointed out in a podcast as a missed opportunity. Zverev acknowledges that such instances contribute to the title of an RTL documentary about him: ‘Zverev – The Unfinished.’
As the tournament progresses, Zverev’s draw appears favorable, with a first-round match against wildcard entry Lucas Pouille. A potential showdown with Australian Nick Kyrgios looms in the third round, while a semifinal clash with favorites Alcaraz and Djokovic could be on the horizon.
Having recently recovered from a bicep strain sustained during the United Cups, Zverev is determined to make a significant impact. However, Becker emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘He is now at an age where he has to do it. In the next 18 months, the longed-for Grand Slam title must come; otherwise, it will be much more difficult.’ With rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at younger ages of 23 and 21, the pressure is mounting.
Becker believes Zverev has been doing ’99 percent everything right,’ yet there’s still that one percent missing. He suggests the addition of a ‘super coach’ alongside Zverev’s father, similar to what Djokovic has done with Andy Murray. Although Becker is willing to take on this role, Zverev is cautious about the logistics of travel.
In pursuit of his Grand Slam dream, Zverev is open to change. He aims to adopt a more aggressive playing style during crucial match moments and has even switched to a new racket. ‘It also takes a bit of guts,’ Zverev mentioned. ‘It’s not like I’m satisfied and say, I lean back and enjoy the results I have.’ His brother’s manager, Mischa Zverev, believes that 2025 is set to be ‘the best year ever’ for him.
As one of tennis’s biggest stars, Zverev’s presence is undeniable, especially during a recent photo shoot with the 428 ball kids of the Australian Open, who admired him not only for his towering height but also for his talent. Yet, without a Grand Slam title, his journey remains ‘unfinished.’