By Ben Phillips
Alexander Zverev’s talent is undeniable. The German has been one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour for years, rising to world No. 2 and making deep runs at almost every major tournament. However, one glaring hole remains in his resume: a Grand Slam title.
Zverev has reached three Grand Slam finals but has yet to lift a major trophy. He has captured an Olympic gold medal and won multiple Masters 1000 titles, proving he has the ability to compete at the highest level. But when it comes to the biggest stages in tennis, something has always seemed to hold him back.
With Jannik Sinner currently serving a three-month suspension and set to return for the French Open, Zverev finds himself in a unique position as the world No. 2 in a wide-open field. The question remains: can he finally break through and win a Grand Slam, or will his window continue to close as younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner dominate the sport?
Three Grand Slam Final Losses: A Story of Missed Opportunities
Zverev has been on the verge of Grand Slam glory multiple times but has fallen short in all three of his final appearances. Each loss tells a different story but ultimately reinforces the same theme—his struggle to take control in the biggest moments.
2020 US Open Final vs. Dominic Thiem
Perhaps the most heartbreaking defeat of his career, Zverev was just two points away from winning his first Grand Slam title in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem. He stormed to a two-set lead, playing some of the best tennis of his career, but then nerves took over.
As Thiem fought back, Zverev became increasingly passive, allowing his opponent to dictate play. By the time the match reached a fifth-set tiebreak, Thiem was the aggressor, while Zverev looked hesitant. Thiem completed the comeback, winning 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6), leaving Zverev in tears during the trophy ceremony.
2024 French Open Final vs. Carlos Alcaraz
The 2024 French Open saw Zverev back in a Grand Slam final, this time against Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev had beaten a physically struggling Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, raising hopes that he could finally claim his first major.
But against Alcaraz, the pattern from 2020 repeated. He started strong but allowed Alcaraz to dictate the baseline rallies. The Spaniard’s relentless aggression proved too much, and Zverev eventually fell 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. Once again, he had failed to impose his game when it mattered most.
2025 Australian Open Final vs. Jannik Sinner
Most recently, Zverev had another golden opportunity in Melbourne. With Djokovic forced to retire in the semi-finals, he faced Sinner in the final, hoping to finally lift his first Grand Slam trophy.
However, Sinner’s dominance was overwhelming. The Italian outplayed Zverev in straight sets, winning 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. It was a reminder that, while Zverev is one of the best players in the world, he still struggles to assert himself in the most critical matches.
Zverev’s post-match speech in Melbourne was emotional. He admitted his frustration, saying, “I’m just not good enough right now.” While many fans sympathized, others questioned whether he truly has the mindset to win a major title.
The Olympic Gold Medal: Proof of His Capabilities
While Zverev has struggled in Grand Slam finals, his victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics showed he can deliver on the big stage. In the semi-finals, he stunned Novak Djokovic in straight sets, preventing the Serbian from completing the Golden Slam.
He then dominated Karen Khachanov in the final, winning 6-3, 6-1 to capture the gold medal for Germany. It was one of the best performances of his career and demonstrated that, when he plays freely and aggressively, he can beat anyone in the world.
The challenge is replicating that level in a best-of-five-set Grand Slam final.
What Does Zverev Need to Change?
Many pundits and former players have suggested that Zverev needs to be more aggressive if he wants to win a major title. His game is built on an incredible baseline defense, a powerful serve, and elite movement for a tall player. But too often, he falls into the trap of playing passively, waiting for his opponent to make mistakes rather than taking control of points.
Players like Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner have shown that to win Grand Slams consistently, you must dictate play in key moments. Zverev’s tendency to retreat behind the baseline and rely on long rallies has often cost him in big matches.
Keys to Winning a Grand Slam:
More aggression on big points – Zverev has the weapons, especially his forehand and serve, but he needs to take more risks when it matters most.
Improved net play – Against players like Alcaraz and Sinner, he must be willing to come forward and finish points at the net rather than engaging in extended rallies.
Better second-serve strategy – His second serve has historically been a weakness, often leading to costly double faults. A more reliable second serve would help reduce pressure in tight moments.
Belief and mental strength – The biggest criticism of Zverev has been his lack of confidence in crucial situations. If he can adopt a more fearless mindset, he has the game to win a major.
Will He Finally Break Through?
With Sinner serving a three-month suspension, the upcoming hard-court season presents a huge opportunity for Zverev. As the world No. 2, he will be one of the top contenders for both Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
However, the true test will come at Roland Garros. The French Open has historically been his best Grand Slam, and with Sinner returning just in time for the clay season, it could set up a fascinating rematch.
Zverev will also have to contend with Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, and the returning Djokovic, all of whom have the capability to stop him from winning his first major.
Conclusion: Can Zverev Win a Grand Slam?
The answer is yes, but only if he changes his approach. Zverev has all the tools to win a Grand Slam, but his cautious style and mental fragility have cost him dearly in the past.
If he embraces a more aggressive mindset, takes control of points, and learns to handle pressure better, there is no reason why he can’t become a Grand Slam champion. However, if he continues to play defensively and waits for his opponents to make mistakes, history suggests he will keep falling short.
At 27 years old, time is still on his side, but with Sinner and Alcaraz rapidly improving, his window of opportunity is narrowing.
The 2025 season could be the defining year of his career. Will Zverev finally seize his moment, or will he continue to be the best player never to win a Grand Slam? Only time will tell.
