MELBOURNE — Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star, has been dubbed "the best player never to win a Grand Slam" after his latest deep run at a major tournament. Earlier this year, Zverev reached the Australian Open final, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s elite players—yet one still chasing that elusive first Grand Slam title.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent force in men’s tennis for nearly a decade, boasting 21 ATP titles, an Olympic gold medal, and two ATP Finals victories. However, despite his dominance in best-of-three-set matches, Zverev has struggled to replicate that success in the five-set format of Grand Slams. His runner-up finish in Melbourne marked his second major final, following the 2020 US Open, where he lost to Dominic Thiem in a heartbreaking five-setter.
A Career of Near-Misses
Zverev’s Grand Slam journey has been a mix of brilliance and frustration. Since breaking into the top 10 in 2017, he has reached at least the semifinals in six majors but has yet to lift the trophy. Tennis analysts have pointed to several factors contributing to his near-misses:
- Inconsistency in key moments: Zverev’s serve, usually a weapon, has faltered in critical matches.
- Mental resilience: While he has shown grit, high-pressure situations have occasionally unraveled him.
- Injury setbacks: A devastating ankle injury at the 2022 French Open sidelined him for months.
Despite these challenges, Zverev remains undeterred. After his Australian Open defeat to Daniil Medvedev, he stated, "I know I have the game to win a Grand Slam. It’s just about putting it all together when it matters most."
The Australian Open Breakthrough
Zverev’s run to the 2024 Australian Open final was a testament to his growth. He defeated top-10 players Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev en route, showcasing his improved mental toughness. However, the final proved a step too far, as Medvedev outlasted him in a grueling five-set battle. Tennis legend John McEnroe remarked, "Zverev is knocking on the door. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks through."
The Serve That Defines Him
One of Zverev’s most potent weapons is his serve, which has been both a blessing and a curse. At his best, he dominates with aces and unreturnable serves. Yet, in high-stakes matches, double faults have crept in—most notably in the 2020 US Open final, where he served 15 double faults. His coach, Sergi Bruguera, has worked tirelessly to refine this aspect, emphasizing consistency under pressure.
Comparisons to Other Greats
Zverev’s plight draws parallels to other players who took years to win their first major. Andy Murray, for instance, lost four Grand Slam finals before finally breaking through at the 2012 US Open. Mats Wilander, a seven-time major champion, noted, "Zverev has all the tools. He’s like Murray—once he gets one, more will follow."
However, the competition today is fiercer than ever. With Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and a new generation led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev faces an uphill battle. Yet, his resilience and adaptability keep him in contention.
What’s Next for Zverev?
The 2024 season presents multiple opportunities for Zverev to shed his "best without a major" label. The French Open, where he reached the semifinals in 2021 and 2022, could be his best shot. His powerful baseline game and improved movement on clay make him a formidable opponent. As he prepares for Roland Garros, Zverev remains optimistic: "I’m closer than ever. I just need to stay healthy and keep believing."
While the Grand Slam title continues to elude him, Zverev’s legacy is already significant. His Olympic gold, ATP Finals wins, and consistent top-5 rankings cement his place among tennis’s elite. As former world No. 1 Jim Courier put it, "Winning a major is the last box to check, but Zverev’s career is far from defined by that alone. He’s already one of the greats of his generation."