Tennis Legend Gives Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams Example for Alexander Zverev

Published 01/22/2021, 2:35 AM EST

Great coaches make great athletes. While this may be partly true, other factors stimulate a sports person’s career. For instance, in tennis, many players have one of the parents as their coach. So when Alexander Zverev decided to go back to his roots, compatriot Nicolas Kiefer saw nothing wrong with it.

The situation arose after Spain’s David Ferrer decided to part ways with Zverev. Because the pandemic outbreak is still very much active, the former World No. 3 Ferrer wanted to stay at home.

Hence, Sascha will have to begin his 2021 season with his father Alexander Sr. as his main coach. Recently, he also confirmed his split with Roger Federer‘s Team8 Sports and Entertainment agency.

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Alexander Zverev had his mother as his first coach

Since 2013, when he turned professional, Sascha has hired and fired many coaches. But amidst all of this, he has always had the support of his parents. Moreover, his parents are both former professional tennis players as well.

While Zverev’s mother started as his coach primarily, his father later took up the role. And given their success on Tour, there remains no doubt that they will perform well in the days ahead as well.

Presently, Zverev is Germany’s 1 and the World’s 7 best player. He has shuffled from No. 4 to No. 7 from 2017; he became the ATP Finals champion in 2018.

In a conversation, the former German professional tennis player Nicolas Kiefer revealed how other great players have also taken the family route. “He’s still so young and has already achieved so much,” Kiefer said. “There are plenty of other examples, see Rafael Nadal with his uncle Toni or Serena and Venus Williams.”

Toni Nadal has led Rafael Nadal to 15 of his 20 Grand Slam, and an Olympic Gold. On the other side, Venus Williams and Serena Williams have won 22 titles as doubles, including 14 Grand Slams and 3 Olympic Gold medals.

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Zverev’s chances at the Australian Open 2021

In light of the coach situation, not much will change in the plans for the reigning US Open finalist. Zverev will represent Germany at the ATP Cup from February 1 and then compete for the Australian Open 2021 title. He is right now in quarantine in the Melbourne Park bubble.

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Given his caliber, the 23-year-old has what it takes to pull off a victory at the ‘Happy Slam’. The only question is, will he?

Rafael Nadal’s Improved Service Returns Gives Him a Cutting Edge at Australian Open 2021

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Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

Tennis Legend Gives Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams Example for Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev had his mother as his first coach

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