Andrea Petkovic doesn’t agree that Alexander Zverev’s mindset is preventing the German from becoming a Grand Slam champion as she expects the current world No. 7 to make a big breakthrough at one point and achieve his biggest goal.
Two weeks ago, the 27-year-old fell one win short of landing his first Major after Jannik Sinner ousted him 6-3 7-6 (4) 6-3 in the Australian Open final.
After the loss, a crushed Zverev didn’t hide how he felt about his performance, saying that he “was not good enough” and that he was “completely outplayed” by his rival.
Alexander Zverev© We Are Tennis/X – Fair Use
Four and a half years ago, the German missed out on an outstanding chance to win his first Grand Slam after he blew a two-set lead and also failed to serve out for the title against Alexander Zverev – the Austrian won the 2020 US Open final 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6 (6).
Last June, Zverev was also up by two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open before the Spaniard emphatically came back to win 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2.
Following the 27-year-old’s latest Slam final loss, some started posing the question if it’s the mentality that’s not allowing him to make that last step on the biggest stage.
Petkovic: I’m convinced Zverev has the mental strength to win a Grand Slam
“I don’t think that Sascha’s problem is psychological, because if he had this problem, how could he have reached the second place in the world?” the 2014 French Open semifinalist stated on the Becker Petkovic Podcast.
“He himself has everything necessary for a great triumph. I am convinced that Alexander has the mental strength for such a triumph, as well as all the shots, but the question is whether he believes in it himself.
“He will have to solve this problem. I am optimistic and I am convinced that sooner or later he will achieve it.”
“I’m just not good enough, it’s as simple as that.”
In his post-final presser at Melbourne Park, Zverev very honestly reporters that he didn’t want to finish his career without a Grand Slam and hear certain stories about his career.
Tennis World USA