Patrick Mouratoglou, a renowned tennis coach, has weighed in on Alexander Zverev’s quest for a major title, suggesting that the German star’s biggest obstacle in high-pressure situations is his inability to take risks and embrace a more aggressive approach. According to Mouratoglou, Zverev’s game, while solid, lacks the boldness and decisiveness required to seize control in crucial moments of Grand Slam matches.
Zverev’s latest disappointment came at the Australian Open, where he was convincingly defeated 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The match highlighted Zverev’s struggles in breaking his opponent’s serve, failing to even create a single break point opportunity in a one-sided final. This loss marked Zverev’s third consecutive defeat in a Grand Slam final, adding to his setbacks in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem and the 2024 French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Despite his consistent success at other levels, Zverev’s failure to capture a major title has sparked much debate about his mindset and confidence. With Olympic gold in Tokyo, two ATP Finals titles, and seven Masters 1000 titles to his name, many are beginning to question whether Zverev can overcome his mental barriers in Grand Slam finals.
Mats Wilander, a former world No. 1, expressed concerns after Zverev’s Australian Open loss, suggesting that the 26-year-old may be losing faith in himself. “When I see this performance, not in terms of ball striking or tactics, but in terms of emotional input, I’m starting to wonder if Zverev still has faith in himself,” Wilander remarked. He pointed out that confidence is crucial, especially when trying to close out a match in the third set. “You have to bluff your opponent. And when he doesn’t do it, it worries me,” he added.
However, Mouratoglou offers a different perspective on Zverev’s struggles. He believes that Zverev’s issue isn’t a lack of belief, but rather a difficulty in adjusting his game to the high-pressure stakes of Grand Slam finals. “I don’t think Sascha loses because he doesn’t believe enough. I think he does believe,” Mouratoglou explained. “But there are still areas where he is lacking.”
According to Mouratoglou, Zverev’s game has definitely improved over the years, as evidenced by his rise to world No. 2. Yet, when it comes to the decisive moments, Zverev seems hesitant to take control. “In big moments, he lacks being bold, being aggressive, taking risks,” Mouratoglou continued. “He pushes himself to do it, but it’s not yet natural for him.” The French coach suggested that Zverev’s growth in this area would require more time and repetition, honing his ability to handle pressure with greater efficiency.
Zverev’s record of losing his first three Grand Slam finals places him in a unique position in tennis history. He is one of only seven men in the Open Era to suffer such a fate, but unlike some of his peers, his defeats have come at three different Grand Slam tournaments. He is also one of only two active players with a 0-3 record in major finals, alongside Casper Ruud, who similarly has lost three Grand Slam finals, including the French Open in both 2022 and 2023, and the US Open in 2022.
However, history suggests that these setbacks are not necessarily a permanent roadblock. All five other men who lost their first three Grand Slam finals went on to secure a major victory. The list includes Dominic Thiem and Goran Ivanisevic, who both won one Grand Slam title each, as well as Andy Murray, a three-time major champion. Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl each went on to win an impressive eight Grand Slam titles after facing early final losses.
For Zverev and Ruud, the possibility of future success remains very much alive. Their journey, while currently marked by frustration, mirrors the paths of those who’ve overcome similar early obstacles to eventually reach the pinnacle of tennis.