Ferrero: 'I Was Shocked By His Discipline'

When you listen to a former World No. 1, someone who made it to the pinnacle of the ATP World Tour, experience resides in each phrase. The advice of Juan Carlos Ferrero clearly carries weight with fast-rising #NextGenATP leader Alexander Zverev, who on Sunday won his second consecutive ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Montreal.

The chemistry between the two couldn’t have sparked success any faster. Since they began working together in mid-July, victory has been their only destiny: 10 wins in a row (the longest winning-streak in Alexander’s career) and titles in Washington and Montreal (with a tour-leading five crowns in 2017). 

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Zverev has risen to a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, having upped his way to No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Race To London, just below Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

“I didn’t expect to begin with two titles,” admits Ferrero after seeing his pupil dominate in Montreal. “But I have to say that watching how he trained during the 10 days we spent together in Tampa right before playing Washington, I was shocked by his discipline and commitment towards the game. He wants to improve badly and is working to be one of the greatest.”

With his low-profile, analytical method, Ferrero observes a player growing in front of his eyes; a player who already shines despite having large room for improvement. “I think he’s very mature for his age. Maybe that’s the main difference compared to the players of his generation,” Ferrero says. 

“He can still improve his mentality and, for sure, some technical aspects such as volleys or his net game… But he’s 20 years old and has plenty of time to do so.”

Success at the top requires character and determination, and Alexander doesn’t fall short in that department. “He’s a winner,” Ferrero says. “He believes deeply in his chances, no matter who’s at the other side. Federer, Djokovic or any other.”

Zverev has compiled 10 straight wins at Masters 1000 level, something nobody has done at his age since Nadal in 2005. “That’s very important,” Ferrero says.

“With his technical acumen, if he trusts in his game he can be very dangerous. And he enjoys joking with his team. He’s very extroverted even with people he doesn’t know well. Moreover, he’s a hard worker and enjoys the competition.

“Our plans are set: we’ll be together again at the US Open. I’ll be back home during Cincinnati, but we want to keep working until the end of the season.”