"I see someone who's playing much too passively" - Federer pinpoints Alexander Zverev's obstacle to Grand Slam success

Tennis superstar Alexander Zverev has found himself one step away from winning a Grand Slam title, and Swiss legend Roger Federer believes the German may need to change a particular aspect of his approach in order to capture that elusive trophy.

Zverev has finished runner-up at two Major events, losing to Dominic Thiem and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open respectively. The former World No.2 has had the lead on both occasions, but ended up losing each match. Nonetheless, Zverev is still a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour, having won 22 ATP titles and six Masters 1000 events.

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Passive play during crucial moments has hurt Zverev, says Federer

Both men will be in Berlin this weekend for the 2024 edition of the Laver Cup, with Zverev scheduled to represent Team Europe. During a Laver Cup press conference on Wednesday, Federer was asked what the 27-year old German needed to do in order to finally break his Grand Slam title drought.

“I see someone who’s playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most,” replied the 20-time Grand Slam champion. “I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him.” 

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Federer is the co-founder of the Laver Cup, and played his last professional match at the event two years ago. The former World No.1 has remained involved in the sport but operates in a different capacity.

"I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” said the 43-year old. .“I feel I ripped the band aid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites, I still feel I belong there. I don’t feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly. People (and) players ask you ‘what are you doing here?’ and you’re like ‘exactly — if you keep talking like this, I will never come back’.”