Alexander Zverev is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players on the ATP Tour, yet the German remains one of the few elite players who have not secured a Grand Slam title. By contrast, Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, believes he knows why Zverev has fallen short in his quest for a Major victory.
Zverev has reached three Grand Slam finals in his career, losing all three. His first chance came at the 2020 US Open, where he fell to Dominic Thiem. He later made the finals of the Roland Garros in 2024, losing to current World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, and the Australian Open in 2025, where he was defeated by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Nadal praised Zverev’s abilities but pinpointed a mental block as the key reason for his struggles in Major finals. “Zverev is an impressive player, but he hasn’t yet managed to win a Grand Slam,” Nadal explained. “Unfortunately, I think it’s all in his head, because given his level of tennis, he should have won one by now”.
Last month, during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Nadal shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing how close Zverev is to reaching that elusive milestone.
Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts during ATP 500 Mexican Open. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
“I think he (Zverev) is great. He’s an incredible player,” Nadal told Sky Germany. “The only thing he’s missing is a Grand Slam title. But probably at some point, he will make it happen. He’s doing a great job”.
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Roger Federer offered his perspective
Another legendary figure, Roger Federer, who ranks just behind Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles, also addressed Zverev’s Grand Slam struggles. Speaking during the Laver Cup in September 2024, Federer provided a candid analysis of the German’s shortcomings.
Federer noted Zverev’s overly defensive approach in critical moments, referencing his quarterfinal loss to Taylor Fritz at the 2024 US Open. “When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments,” Federer said. “Against the best players in the world, you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn’t do that against Fritz”.
The Swiss great added that belief and aggression are essential to securing a Grand Slam title. “There’s not much missing. But to win a Grand Slam you have to trust your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in your body has to feel that this is the only right way,” Federer continued. “The title doesn’t just come to you, especially not the first one”.
Nadal on tennis’ current rising stars
The 14-time French Open champion also highlighted Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the standouts among the next generation, while mentioning other promising talents poised for bright futures.
“There are two players who stand head and shoulders above the rest, Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner],” Nadal said. “Others, like [Jack] Draper, are evolving, [Holger] Rune won in Barcelona, Casper [Ruud] played very well in Madrid, [Jakub] Mensik won in Miami. We’ll also have to see how [Joao] Fonseca develops”.
