Alexander Zverev Denounces False Reports About Ivan Lendl Comments

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev has firmly addressed and denied recent reports surrounding controversial remarks he supposedly made about his former coach, Ivan Lendl. Zverev, who heads into 2025 following an impressive season featuring Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Paris and a runner-up finish at the French Open, took to social media to refute these claims.

The History of Zverev and Lendl’s Coaching Partnership

Zverev began working with the eight-time Grand Slam singles champion in August 2018, following his split from Juan Carlos Ferrero earlier that year. However, the collaboration between Zverev and Lendl lasted less than a year, ending in July 2019.

Shortly after their split, Zverev shared his frustrations in an interview with Die Welt, suggesting that Lendl’s focus often strayed from tennis:“Sometimes we go to the training ground. Training lasts two hours. For half an hour, he stands with his back to me and tells me how he played golf that morning. He’s got a new dog and is showing him how to go to the toilet. That’s really his main topic. And golf.”

While these comments were first reported in 2019, they resurfaced across several media outlets over the weekend, misrepresented as recent statements.

Zverev Slams ‘Not True’ Reporting

In response, Zverev took to Instagram to denounce the coverage, calling it an example of “bad journalism.” He clarified that he had not spoken about his coaching relationship with Lendl in over five years:“So, apparently I gave an interview about my coaching relationship with Ivan Lendl recently, which is not true.
In fact, I have not spoken to anyone from the press since my foundation event in Tannenhof one day after Turin. I have not made any comments about my coaching relationship with Ivan Lendl in more than five years.”

Zverev criticized the media for fabricating stories during the off-season:“I understand that everybody is very bored right now because it is the off-season and not much is happening except a lot of hard work, but this shows once again that some stories have to be completely made up by very bad journalism to keep readers interested in made-up drama…”

He concluded his message with optimism, stating, “See you all soon in Australia.”

Zverev’s Stellar 2024 Season and 2025 Prospects

Zverev’s 2024 season marked a significant return to form as he clinched Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Paris and made a deep run at the French Open, finishing as the runner-up. Entering 2025 as the world No. 2, Zverev remains one of the ATP Tour’s most formidable players.

Under the guidance of his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., he continues to sharpen his skills and maintain his elite standing in the sport.

Lendl’s Return to Coaching

Meanwhile, Ivan Lendl, who famously coached Andy Murray to historic success in the mid-2010s, has rejoined the ATP Tour in a new role. The Czech tennis legend is now coaching world No. 16 Hubert Hurkacz, partnering with Nicolas Massu, a former Olympic gold medalist, to work with the Polish star.

Zverev’s Upcoming Challenge

Zverev’s next tournament is the United Cup, where he will lead the German team in their title defense. With a strong showing in 2024 and his unwavering focus, Zverev is poised for another stellar season.

As false narratives about his past coaching relationships are set aside, Zverev’s sights remain firmly on his goals for the upcoming year, cementing his legacy as one of tennis’s brightest stars.