Andy Roddick ‘frustrated’ with what he keeps hearing said about Alexander Zverev following defeat to Novak Djokovic

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Alexander Zverev’s search for a maiden Grand Slam title continues as he exits the French Open at the quarterfinal stage.

The German star enjoyed a strong start to his Roland Garros campaign, dropping just one set across his opening four matches.

Learner Tien, Jesper De Jong, Flavio Cobolli, and Tallon Griekspoor were all beaten, as Zverev set up a quarterfinal tie with 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic.

It seemed as though the 28-year-old had the edge after he won the first set, before Djokovic battled back to knock out Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

After the match, Zverev was widely criticised for his tactics during his quarterfinal defeat, as a former ATP star now steps in to defend the world number three.

Andy Roddick is ‘frustrated’ hearing people tell Alexander Zverev to come in from the baseline

During the latest edition of Quick Served, former world number one Andy Roddick gave his verdict on Zverev’s tactics.

“He likes being five or six feet behind the baseline. That is his comfort zone, and he’s very good at it,” said Roddick.

“So all of you jackholes going step up. He is very good at what he does. I don’t think variety is a choice for him at this point. He can hit a chip, but it’s not native for him.

“His swing is so big on the forehand side, I think it’s borderline idiotic to just say go two feet inside the court.”

Roddick suggested what would have happened if Zverev had stood closer to the baseline.

“Novak [Djokovic] is then just going to create speed and then he’s leaning back and hitting it and it’s the same result,” he said.

“It’s going to be this fluttery thing, but then all of a sudden he can’t dig in on defence. It’s the technique of his forehand, not the intent, which creates this problem for Zverev in my opinion.”

The 2003 US Open champion did, however, advise on how Zverev can further improve his game.

“What would I like to see Zverev do? Serve and volley a bit,” said Roddick.

“Come in off of second serves. His backhand is world-class. Like, shortlist the top 15 or 20 all-time backhands.

“Take that and come in. You are 6ft 6, 6ft 7, maybe get more height on the forehand, and take the next one.

“You two-shot combo where it’s like you play even higher and deeper line and then step in on the next one.”

Roddick finished up by reiterating his frustration with the recent discourse surrounding the 28-year-old.

“I don’t know if he can just decide on one ball that he is going to step in and move. Everyone keeps saying it, and I get frustrated because I don’t know if it’s that easy. It’s like telling someone to be faster,” he said.

“Your body is built a certain way, your technique is built a certain way. At a certain point, you have to dance with who you brought. 

“I think it’s lazy analysis to just say he needs to step in and fire. I don’t know if he has the technique to do that.”

Alexander Zverev misses out on another chance to win his first Grand Slam

For some time, many have considered Zverev to be the greatest player never to have won a Grand Slam title.

The German star has won almost everything else there is to win in tennis, barring a Major.

• ATP Finals – 2018, 2021
• Olympics – 2020 (2021)
• Madrid Open – 2018, 2021
• Italian Open – 2017, 2024
• Canadian Open – 2017
• Cincinnati Open – 2021
• Paris Masters – 2024

But when it comes to the Grand Slam events, no matter how hard he tries, Zverev can’t seem to get over the line.

A consistent fixture in the second week of Slams, the world number three has suffered several late exits over the years.

Failing in his bid to win the first two Grand Slams of the year, Zverev will now turn his attention to Wimbledon, his least successful Major tournament.

Zverev has yet to reach the quarterfinals at the All England Club in eight visits, as he’ll no doubt hope for a much better showing this time around.

The German is scheduled to begin his grass-court season at the Stuttgart Open, which begins on June 9.