Alexander Zverev: “We are Still at Honeymoon Stage”

Alexander Zverev, who is currently participating at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, opened up on his relationship with his new coach Ivan Lendl. The German, has tied up his wagon with Lendl, after he parted ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero. Zverev said that his team members had worked with Lendl and Zverev’s father also had a good relationship with Lendl.

“We are still at honeymoon stage”, joked Alexander Zverev. “Everything is beautiful. I have picked him to improve my game and I do hope to win the biggest tournaments in the world. Ivan has showed his qualities as Andy Murray’s coach and his experience will help a lot”, said the world number five. “My father and Ivan know each other very well. The partnership works perfectly.”

“I have known him for many years. I needed somebody for the big tournaments, and it’s not a secret”, continued Zverev. “But it’s still a work in progress, a process of getting there, being able to compete for those(slams). It’s not obviously something that will happen within one week but it’s gonna be exciting.”

Zverev also said that he was aiming very high in his early days, and now he has understood that it does not work that way. “But I am impatient and I hope that it’s true for any big player”, he said. “We want to have everything now and straightaway, but sometimes it doesn’t happen like this. Improving is a process. When you start working together, you need to be patient. We need a little more time together. I am looking forward to next year.”

Zverev is set to face Robin Haase, in the round of 32 at the Basel open, where he could meet his idol Roger Federer in the finals. Federer is vying to reach his 14th finals here, a record in itself.