Is success all about talent? Maybe, but for Alexander Zverev, it is also about the right guidance. The German athlete’s rise to the ATP number two position wasn’t about just his brilliance but the popular mentors who shaped his skills. While not all his partnerships stood the test of time, they each helped the ATP star in their own way. From short collaborations to unexpected separations, Zverev’s mentorship has been a roller coaster ride with only one person being the steadfast name in the list. So whom does Alexander Zverev find his career’s best teacher?

Zverev started his 2025 season with a bang, securing a semifinal clash in the ongoing Australian Open against none other than Novak Djokovic. The ATP star performed exceptionally last season, reaching the Top 2; his steady progress has shifted the spotlight on his brilliant mentors, who instilled professionalism and skill in him. After all, a high-performing athlete often becomes great with the guidance of experienced mentors!

According to the Tennis Major, Zverev is coached by his father Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Senior. Before turning pro, Zverev’s mother, a former professional player Irina Zverev coached her son and helped him win the Junior Australian Open title. His father took matters into his hands after the ATP star turned pro.  However, the German player also appointed David Ferrer in July 2020 to work alongside his father. With Ferrer’s mentorship, the German athlete reached his debut Grand Slam finals in 2020 at Flushing Meadows. However, despite a successful partnership, the duo split within months in January 2021.

Ferrer and Zverev’s quick separation intrigued the fraternity. However, Ferrer cleared the air and said, “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.”

Before Ferrer, Zverev also worked with Juan Carlos Ferrero, whom he appointed to his team in July 2017. Together Zverev clinched two ATP 1000 titles. However, Ferrero and Zverev’s partnership lasted only six months since the coach criticized Zverev’s team and his father’s mentorship after the German’s early exit from the 2018 Australian Open. After this incident, the ATP number two started working with Ivan Lendl in August 2018 and their collaboration lasted for a year. Despite Zverev winning the ATP World Tour finals with Lendel’s guidance, their partnership fell apart. In an interview with the Tennis Head, the German player explained that he couldn’t gel with Lendl who was “more interested in talking about golf and his dog than tennis.”  Zverev further explained that he and Lendl weren’t “a good match.” Following his remarks, it isn’t hard for Zverev’s followers to understand that this athlete isn’t someone blindly following his coach’s suggestions.

In an interview, the German once confessed, “I am not someone who says yes and amen to everything. I also challenge opinions very often, I always ask why you see it that way and sometimes say, I see it differently. You can’t join my team and turn my life and career upside down just because you have a different opinion than me.” His statement highlighted his commitment to finding a coach who understands his requirements and aligns with his thoughts without forcing their strategies on the player. After all, a great coach knows what his pupils like!

For Zverev, his life’s best coach is quite clear: his father. His father raised him so there isn’t anyone who knows the player’s personality as much as he does. In an interview with a German publication, Zverev mentioned his life’s best coaches and revealed an interesting fact: one coach that he would definitely think of returning to for mentorship! So, what did Zverev say?

Alexander Zverev names his favorite coaches who helped in his career’s growth

Although Zverev’s father has been his constant coach, he also tried to collaborate with others, which frankly went average for the ATP star. While reflecting on his mentorships, Zverev said, “[My father] is better than [Ivan] Lendl. For me, that’s not a question at all. I think it was an experience for me to see what and how other coaches think about my tennis.” His words might be brief but they highlighted his faith in his father’s guidance. Zverev also complimented David Ferrer and confessed his wish to return to the coach’s mentorship if possible.

Nevertheless, in Zverev’s life, there is none like his father. Reflecting on their personal and professional relationships, the German ATP star once said, “We function so well together because we have a very healthy relationship, we can perfectly differentiate between private life and tennis. When we are at tournaments, he’s just my coach, he doesn’t interfere in my personal life at all.” Zverev’s words showcase why he believes his father blindly for his career. Their perfect equation worked well for the German athlete helping him secure his top two rank in the world.

Alexander Zverev’s list of coaches highlights famous names. However, it has been only a few, who could leave an impression on his thoughts and improve his playstyle. Above all, Zverev’s father’s guidance remains an integral support in his career showing that if parents are supportive, one can reach milestones that seem quite impossible at the beginning.  Did you like Alexander Zverev’s relationship with his father? Do you think it will take him to new heights in his career?