Federer criticizes the German: Zverev does not commit to “brutal” Davis Cup

Federer criticizes the German
Zverev does not commit to the “brutal” Davis Cup

18.09.2024, 21:24

In the fight for the first Davis Cup victory since 1993, the German Tennis Association urgently needs Alexander Zverev. Teammate Struff will speak to the world number two in Berlin. Roger Federer’s Laver Cup is taking place in the capital – and the tennis legend has criticism for Zverev.

Germany’s best tennis player Alexander Zverev has left his participation in the Davis Cup finals open for the time being. “Not yet, but that will come,” the world number two replied when asked whether he had already spoken to team manager Michael Kohlmann about taking part. The 27-year-old did not want to comment further on the Davis Cup on the sidelines of the Laver Cup in Berlin.

In Zhuhai, China, the German team, despite being severely weakened by a lack of replacements, managed to qualify for the final round in Málaga, Spain, from November 19 to 24. The DTB justified Zverev’s absence from the group phase shortly after the US Open in New York with travel strains.

Teammate Jan-Lennard Struff cancelled due to hip problems – but has now given the all-clear. “I feel fit and my hip is in a stable condition. I hope that I can be there in Malaga,” said the Warsteiner and announced that he wanted to talk to Zverev. “We will definitely talk here. Of course that would be cool,” said Struff about a possible Zverev start in the finals.

Federer explains what Zverev was missing

While the 34-year-old was understanding, Zverev decided not to take part. “I think everyone knows that Sascha loves playing for Germany. The tournament calendar is just so full. The end of November is just brutal,” said Struff, looking ahead to the end of the season.

Struff and Zverev are currently in Berlin for the Laver Cup, co-initiated by tennis legend Roger Federer. This weekend, a team of European players will face a world selection. In the opinion of the tennis legend from Switzerland, Zverev is still making the same mistakes. “I’m not his coach, so I can speak freely. When I play him, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments,” said Federer at an event hosted by his sponsor Wilson in Berlin.

Zverev has been waiting for his first Grand Slam title for years. The Tokyo Olympic champion failed in the finals at the US Open (2020) and French Open (2024). Everyone is certain that Zverev has the potential to win a Grand Slam. “It’s not much that’s missing,” said Federer, calling the world number two an “outstanding player with one of the best backhands” on the tour. “But to win a Grand Slam, you have to trust in your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in his body has to feel that this is the only right way. The title doesn’t just come to you. And certainly not the first,” said Federer, who has lost four times in seven duels with Zverev.