Alexander Zverev slams Ivan Lendl’s coaching and says what his ‘main concern’ was rather than his tennis

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Alexander Zverev enjoyed a strong season in 2024, as he returned to his career-high of second in the world.

Having suffered a serious ankle injury in 2022, Zverev recovered his best form this year, as he re-established himself as one of the best players in men’s tennis.

The German won his first Masters 1000 title since 2021 at the Italian Open this year, before Zverev won the Paris Masters in November.

It was at the Grand Slam level where he made the biggest strides, however, as Zverev reached the French Open final, before losing out to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets.

There were more positive results for Zverev on the ATP Tour, as he reached the final in Hamburg, on his way to the number two ranking.

He’ll no doubt be looking to get over the line and finally win a maiden Grand Slam title in the new year, but before then, he has reflected on his coaching team over the years.

Alexander Zverev says Ivan Lendl was more concerned with ‘golf’ than coaching him

Speaking to Tennis Magazin, Zverev looked back on what Ivan Lendl’s main focus was when he was his coach back in 2018.

“He had a new dog, he showed him how to go to the toilet,” he said.

“That was really his main concern and golf.”

The German split with Lendl in 2019, but not before winning the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals.

Zverev remarkably beat both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on his way to a maiden title at the year-end championships.

The German is currently coached by his father, but Zverev recently spoke about Boris Becker potentially joining his team.

“I love Boris [Becker] and I also believe that he has an incredible knowledge of tennis,” he said.

“But I don’t know how he feels about traveling, that’s the only question mark for him.”

Zverev has tried to work with several coaches during his 11-year stint on the ATP Tour, including Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Lendl, and his father Alexander Zverev Sr.

The 27-year-old was far more complimentary to Ferrer, whom he worked with from 2020 to 2021, than Lendl.

“I’ve tried to work with many people, but I found that only one person really helped me a lot,” said Zverev.

“David Ferrer really helped me, working with anyone else was not a real success.”

Who will Ivan Lendl be coaching in 2025?

Zverev certainly wasn’t impressed by Lendl’s coaching but his success on the ATP Tour can’t be denied, having worked alongside Andy Murray for all three of his Grand Slam titles.

News of his next coaching role was recently announced, as Lendl is set to work alongside Hubert Hurkacz in 2025.

Joining a star-studded line-up, that includes Dominic Thiem’s former coach Nicolas Massu, Lendl will hope to lead Hurkacz to great things in the new year.

The Pole regressed ever so slightly in 2024, as he failed to maintain his top-ten ranking, finishing the year ranked 16th in the world.

Suffering his worst year since 2020, it’s clear to see why the big-serving Pole decided to make a change this off-season.

He’ll be hoping that Lendl and Massu can guide him well in the new year as he looks to make a swift return to the world’s top ten.

Hurkacz and Zverev will return to the court at the United Cup which begins on December 27.