Did Alexander Zverev Ditch Spanish Tennis Legend for His Father? Here’s Everything to Know of His Infamous Coaching Changes

With Alexander Zverev advancing to the French Open final, the question arises: is he ready to claim his first Grand Slam title? Zverev’s path to this point has been paved with obstacles, including talks about his many staff changes and his special coach-player relationship with his father. Now, he’s ready to take on Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match.

The German athlete first received coaching from his father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Senior, but in July 2020, he hired David Ferrer for more direction. Though Ferrer expressed satisfaction with their working relationship, their partnership was short-lived, since it ended in January 2021.

After the split, Ferrer stated, “It was not for anything special. Absolutely nothing has happened between us, everything is good—I appreciate the opportunity he gave me to travel with him during this period. During these months we had a good collaboration, everything was perfect.”

The 27-year-old had previously collaborated temporarily with former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in July 2017 and then, beginning in August 2018, for a full year with Ivan Lendl. Zverev’s pursuit of his first Grand Slam victory continues in spite of frequent coaching changes, and each partnership advances his professional development.

Prior to 2023, Roland Garros, the former world number two, declared last year that he had split ways with coach Sergi Bruguera. This news comes as the clay court season heats up and excitement for the approaching Grand Slam competition grows. Although Bruguera had been Zverev’s coach since May 2022, their relationship was strained by Zverev’s potentially career-ending injury in June, which cut short their time together on the ATP Tour.

Zverev is currently back under the tutelage of his father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Senior, a former professional tennis player. Zverev Senior, a Soviet national, peaked at No. 175 worldwide in 1985. He moved to Germany in 1991 with his spouse, who still helps and guides his son as he pursues his tennis career. However, what went wrong with Bruguera, didn’t sit well with the German player.

Why did Alexander Zverev part ways with Bruguera? 

Zverev disclosed that this choice was taken after Madrid, which represents a significant alteration to his coaching structure in front of the major competition. He stated, “Sergi is not longer part of the team. It was always a clear plan that he is with me because my father didn’t feel well in terms of health. We decided together with Sergi after Madrid a few weeks ago that we finish our work.” 

Expressing a desire to regain his confidence and courage on the court, Zverev acknowledges a recent falter in these aspects, likely influenced by his injury. With the absence of Sergi Bruguera from his coaching team, there’s speculation regarding how this change will impact Zverev’s transformation moving forward. Only time will reveal the extent of this shift in his journey.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Zverev’s run to the finals? Do let us know in the comment section below.