Tennis legend criticizes Zverev after US Open disappointment

The 2024 US Open was a disappointment for Alexander Zverev despite the best conditions. Germany’s best tennis player had to throw in the towel in the quarterfinals. Former Belgian world-class player Justine Henin had clear words for Zverev’s performance in Flushing Meadows.

Although the path to the US Open title became much easier for Alexander Zverev on paper after the early failure of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, it was once again not enough for the Hamburg native to win his first Grand Slam title. In the quarterfinals against Taylor Fritz, Zverev had a terrible day and was forced to withdraw from the tournament.

In Justine Henin’s eyes, this is a clear case of: your own fault. “Zverev is a disappointment [der US Open 2024]There were expectations. In my eyes, it was mainly the art and manner [seines Ausscheidens]”, she told Eurosport. The former Belgian world-class player explained: “I found him extremely defensive.” At a certain point you have to say: to win a Grand Slam tournament, he has to be more confident.

Zverev has “fallen into old patterns”

In the quarterfinals against Fritz, Zverev “fell back into old patterns,” judged the Belgian, who recognized a fundamental problem with Zverev: “I think that you have to make strong decisions to win a Grand Slam, especially with the calendar.” -Planning. That was the 73rd match of his season.

According to Henin, Zverev rarely manages to be at his absolute best in the four major tournaments. “At some point you have to save your energy and find top form. Djokovic, for example, is a master in this area,” said the Belgian, who believes that Zverev still has “many areas” that he “needs to work on.”