Alexander Zverev has had a career full of ups and downs. Although the German ATP star managed to secure evident positions in grand slam events, he was never able to finish as a winner, and this still keeps him distant from a major title. However, besides glory, another undiscussed aspect of his career is the coaching changes that never really came to light amid short spans of decision-making. But is he still working with his father? Here’s all about the mentor that sides him at the Paris Masters and the events ahead.

Germany’s star tennis player Alexander Zverev announced a major change in his coaching team just ahead of the clay season’s peak at Roland Garros. After a mutual decision with his coach Sergi Bruguera, Zverev trained under his father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Senior. Bruguera, who joined Zverev’s team in May 2022, played a crucial role during the German’s matches last season. However, their partnership faced several challenges, especially after Zverev suffered a serious injury in June that nearly jeopardized his career.

Reflecting on the split, Zverev explained, “Sergi is no 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.”

Zverev has experienced similar transitions before. Back in July 2020, he hired former world No. 3 David Ferrer to join his team, but their collaboration ended in January 2021. Ferrer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “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 German ATP star has also worked with other top coaches, including a brief stint with Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2017 and a full year with Ivan Lendl beginning in 2018. Now, under the guidance of his father, who was himself a former Soviet tennis player reaching a career-high ranking of No. 175 in 1985, Zverev hopes to take his game to the next level. Battling against Holger Rune at the Paris Masters, his father and mother have supported his journey since relocating to Germany in 1991. Zverev’s focus is set on giving his best by the end of this season by making the ATP Finals memorable.

Alexander Zverev Opens Up About His Relationship with Coach and Father

Alexander Zverev recently uncovered details about his relationship with his father. Despite the close bond with the parent also playing his coach, Zverev revealed they maintain a healthy distance outside training. “Off the court, I don’t spend much time with my father, so that is a starting point,” he said. He believes this separation helps keep their bond strong. “We have enough of each other on the court. We are all adults, we all have a family. We all know how having a family works.” Zverev appreciates having family close, adding, “Maybe that way you don’t miss home as much.”

Zverev also compared his relationship with his father to other player-coach family dynamics. “I know there are certain players who have their father as a coach, and the relationship is toxic, with many fights, arguments, and things that are not healthy.” For Zverev, however, the balance feels positive and productive. “I have to say that is not the case for us at all. We understand each other off the court when we step out, and on the court, it’s about training, it’s about improving. It’s working well; I am the number 4 in the world.”

Although Zverev remains adamant about having his father as his coach, the off-court dynamics still remain mysterious.