World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has opened up about his relationship with Swiss great Roger Federer, following his split from Team 8. Team 8 is an Ohio-based tennis company, which the Swiss Maestro owns.
Early this year, Zverev had announced his departure from Team 8, crediting his need to prioritize his family. 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer started Team 8, an athlete-management company. Additionally, it also makes strategic investments in the world of sports.
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Zverev talks about his relationship with Roger Federer
Talking about his partnership with Federer during his time with his company, Zverev said, “It didn’t work that well.” Along with Zverev, the company backed by Roger Federer and run by his agent also manages Juan Martin del Potro, another big name on the tennis circuit.
Additionally, he also talked about Federer’s direct involvement in the matter. “When under contract with him (Roger) and Team 8, Roger himself hadn’t much to do with it,” he shared.
However, the 19-time ATP singles title winner remains optimistic about his personal relationship with Roger Federer. “I have an amazing relationship with Roger, which we will probably have forever,” Zverev said.
Alexander Zverev and Federer’ Team8 part ways. pic.twitter.com/QGS1amqlSp
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 18, 2021
Team 8 has had plenty of big names attached to it
Alexander Zverev is far from being the only tennis star to have been managed by Roger Federer’s company. Not only is Del Potro on the team, but young American star Coco Gauff, too, is managed by Team 8.
Former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov, too was managed by Federer’s company, before parting ways in December 2017.
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Alexander Zverev told @tennismagazin: «I have an amazing relationship with Roger, which we will probably have forever. It didn't work that well, when I was under contract with him and Team 8. Roger himself hadn't much to do with hit. He's still a tennis player.» #Federer #Zverev pic.twitter.com/2oaIeYAuL3
— Simon Häring (@_shaering) December 14, 2021
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With the 2022 tennis season about to begin in a few weeks, fans eagerly await Zverev’s return to the sport. Simultaneously, the entire tennis community is also waiting for Roger Federer himself to return to the sport, following his knee surgery.
DIVE DEEPER: “Very Happy That This Nickname Died”: Grigor Dimitrov Rejects Roger Federer Comparisons