“Most efficient server on Tour”: Andy Roddick praises Alexander Zverev and offers tactical advice

Andy Roddick has named Alexander Zverev’s serve the most effective on the ATP Tour and suggested a few adjustments to make it even more efficient. The World No. 2 competed at the United Cup this week, earning two wins before withdrawing from the quarterfinals due to discomfort in his right bicep.

‘Sascha’ played a pivotal role in Germany’s advancement, defeating Thiago Monteiro (6-4, 6-4) and Zhang Zhizhen (2-6, 6-0, 6-2). The two-time Grand Slam finalist also teamed up with Laura Siegemund for mixed doubles, beating China’s Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen (6-2, 7-6).

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Zverev was scheduled to face Alexander Shevchenko (World No. 78) of Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals but was replaced by teammate Daniel Masur (World No. 256). Earlier, Elena Rybakina (World No. 6) had defeated Laura Siegemund (World No. 80), and Shevchenko's victory secured Kazakhstan’s historic semifinal berth at the tournament.

Zverev’s injury raises concerns just 11 days before the Australian Open, where he is the second seed and considered a top contender to challenge the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Alexander Zverev at 2025 United Cup.

Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick lauded Zverev’s serve as a cornerstone to achieve a Grand Slam title. “Sascha is the most efficient server in tennis at the moment, with over 75% of first serves. It seems almost a joke to see how he has become the most efficient server on tour. Some adjustments could be important for him to come to the net earlier,” Roddick remarked.

“In the final of Roland Garros this year, he was one set away from winning his first Grand Slam again and was ahead against Alcaraz,” the 2003 US Open champion remembered. “In fact, he did not play badly in the last two sets. I do not want to criticize anyone and say that he did not achieve great results because he was unable to win that duel," the American added.

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Australian Open in doubt for Alexander Zverev? World No.2 out of United Cup with bicep injury

So far, there has been no update on the severity of Zverev’s injury or whether he will be in peak condition for the Australian Open. Last year, Zverev reached the semifinals and led Daniil Medvedev by two sets before the Russian staged a remarkable comeback to secure a place in the final.

Zverev faces significant points to defend early in the season, and his ranking gap with World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz could narrow if he underperforms in Melbourne. The Spaniard might even overtake Zverev once the tournament concludes.

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