Zverev & Lendl Coaching Partnership Ends

Alexander Zverev and former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl have parted company after a 12-month partnership, which included a run to the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals title.

In a statement, Lendl said: “I have a lot of belief in Sascha, who is still very young. I think that one day he may become a great player, but currently he has some off-court issues that make it difficult to work in a way that is consistent with my philosophy.”

Zverev, who is currently No. 5 in the ATP Rankings and competing this week at the Hamburg European Open, has been coached by his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., from a young age. The 22-year-old previously worked with another former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero from August 2017 to January 2018.

“I have nothing but respect for him. We worked well for ten months and it’s been very nice having him by my side, winning London. Obviously, I have great respect for him but you guys probably know as well, we both felt like we were going different directions,” Zverev said. “I wish him nothing but the best. I think he will find a player very soon. And it’s also about personalities and maybe we didn’t fit yet. Maybe it will change but for now it’s over.”

Lendl coached Andy Murray from 2011 to 2014, then again in 2016 to 2018, encompassing three Grand Slam championship trophies, two Olympics gold medals and the Briton’s rise to No. 1 and the 2016 Nitto ATP Finals crown.