Alexander Zverev has come under fire for another disappointing defeat at a Grand Slam.
The 29-year-old, who is widely regarded as the best player to have never won a major, has been striving for that ultimate honour for what feels like forever.
At the start of his career, he could be forgiven for failing to achieve that goal during an unprecedented era of three-way dominance.
But, with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer having retired, and Novak Djokovic declining, it was expected that he would take his chance.
And yet, he has been leapfrogged by the younger generation. Alexander Zverev needs to change something, and Tim Henman has something in mind.
Tim Henman offers crucial advice to Alexander Zverev
Speaking live on TNT Sports earlier today ahead of the women’s French Open semi-final matches, Henman sought to offer his final word on Zverev’s defeat last night.
After all, he wanted to issue some advice to the German, noting: ‘I think, you know, he got off to a really good start, got the early break and then dominated proceedings in the first set.
‘But, you know, Djokovic was able to turn the tables and then you’re expecting more of a reaction, I think, from Zverev. He’s talked at length about how he’s desperate to win one of these Grand Slams. And I think that’s where he’s got to perhaps show more of the fight, that the hunger and desire to show this to the fans, how bad he wants it and, you know, it was pretty tame after that.
‘I mean, he’s a great player, don’t get me wrong. He was in the final Roland Garros last year. He’s been in the final of other slams, he’s won Masters 1000s on clay. So, you know, he’s a top-class player, but when you’re in these biggest and best tournaments up against the very best, you’ve got to deliver something a little bit special and, you know, obviously he tried his best, but I think just to show a little bit more of that spirit, to be a little bit more aggressive, to go up and take the ball early and really take it up a notch.
‘I think that’s how he can win one, but that’s not how he performed last night.’
Patrick McEnroe blasted Zverev’s tactics in last night’s loss though, pulling no punches.
Alexander Zverev is still so close to glory despite French Open defeat
Despite yet another disappointing loss at a Grand Slam, Zverev is still so close to claiming that ultimate prize.
After all, he has already reached one Grand Slam final this year in Melbourne, the third of his career, and came so close to snatching the title in those first two.
He was just one set away in both the US Open and last year’s Roland Garros, but just fell short at the final hurdle.
The German has consistently been one of the top players in tennis for many years now and deserves more praise for maintaining that.
If he continues in the same way, maybe adding a couple of new tricks to his game like a sneaky drop shot, the chances will keep coming. It’s just about taking the next one that arises.
