Four-time Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman has warned Alexander Zverev that he will not win a Grand Slam until he stops being passive in essential moments.
Zverev's hopes of winning a third ATP Finals title ended with a narrow 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 semifinal defeat to Taylor Fritz. The German had chances in the third set but could not take them before succumbing in the deciding set tiebreak.
It was a disappointing end to what could have been the best indoor hardcourt season of Zverev's career. He won the Paris Masters before the ATP Finals and played superbly throughout that tournament.
Zverev looked even better during his round-robin matches at the ATP Finals. He beat Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud before beating an angry Carlos Alcaraz to finish top of the group without losing a match or dropping a set.
The 27-year-old's high-quality contest against Alcaraz, in particular, showed what he is capable of. Zverev was brave and decisive in the most significant moments, and the Spaniard made little mistakes that cost him the match.
Although Zverev's mentality and technical game were in great shape before the semifinal against Fritz, this year's French Open runner-up needed to overcome a player who had dominated against him in 2024 to reach the final.
Fritz defeated Zverev at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Laver Cup this year. That meant the German may have had a slight mental block against Fritz that harmed his chances.
Zverev could not prevent a fourth consecutive loss to the American. In truth, the world No. 2 should have won the match. He looked the better player throughout much of it, including the third set, before falling short.
Zverev pulled no punches when assessing his loss to Fritz afterward, saying he blew it in the tiebreak after being the better player throughout the third set.
Henman was similarly honest in his comments on Sky Sports tennis after the match. The Briton feels Zverev became too cautious in the tiebreak and stated he would not win a Grand Slam while playing like that.
"There were a few moments where I don’t think Sasha took that forward step and play in his terms.He got a bit passive on the forehand in the tiebreak and I don’t think that’s something that he didn’t know already. I think he can win a Slam but if he plays like that he won’t. He needs to be prepared to take it on."
The former British No. 1 is not the only one to notice that problem. Other former players and analysts have encouraged Zverev to be more aggressive and proactive during the most significant moments.
Roger Federer was the most high-profile former player to discuss the issue. The 20-time Grand Slam champion believes Zverev plays far too defensively, and that the best players make winning Grand Slams happen rather than responding to opponents.
Zverev admitted during the Paris Masters that he is already thinking ahead to the 2025 Australian Open. Winning a maiden Grand Slam is his most significant goal, but achieving that might require a more aggressive approach.