Roger Federer accused Alexander Zverev of playing too “passively” …….

Alexander Zverev responds to Roger Federer ‘passive’ criticism amid Grand Slam woes

Alexander Zverev was criticised by Roger Federer for his Grand Slam approach.

Roger Federer accused Alexander Zverev of playing too “passively” in his Grand Slam quest.

Alexander Zverev has revealed critical comments from Roger Federer are “nothing I don’t know” after the Swiss great questioned the German’s approach to Grand Slam matches.

 

Zverev has recently returned to his career high of world No 2 and is the winner of 22 ATP singles titles, including two ATP Finals and six Masters 1000 crowns, though is yet to get over the line at a major.

 

The German was beaten in the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open finals – both matches he held leads in – while he suffered back-to-back losses to Taylor Fritz at majors this season.

 

Zverev lost to the American in the fourth round of Wimbledon despite leading by two sets, and was then beaten in four sets in their US Open quarter-final at the start of the month.

 

Speaking earlier this week, 20-time major champion Federer accused Zverev of playing too “passively” when it came to Grand Slam tournaments.

 

“To win a Grand Slam, you have to play far more offensively – the title doesn’t just come to you,” said Federer.

 

“When I watch him [Zverev] 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.

 

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“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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Speaking in response to Federer’s critical comments, Zverev conceded that he agreed with what the former world No 1 said – and was aware of his own limitations in his US Open defeat.

 

He added: “That’s nothing I don’t know.

 

“It’s absolutely clear to me that I didn’t play the way I want to play. That was a terrible game from me. That’s why it’s completely okay what Roger said.”

 

Zverev’s comments came at the Laver Cup, where he will look to star on home soil.

 

The German will be in Team Europe action for the first time on Friday, when he and world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz take to court for a doubles clash versus Team World’s Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.

 

After the Laver Cup, Zverev is expected to play in Beijing and Shanghai, while also having already qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin.

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