Why Roger Federer once doubted Alexander Zverev’s ability to win Grand Slams as he becomes US Open champion

Alexander Zverev won his second Grand Slam title of the year at the US Open, defeating Ben Shelton in the final.

The German is now a two-time Grand Slam champion, an impressive feat given that many doubted Zverev would ever win a major title.

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Just two years ago, tennis legend Roger Federer identified several reasons why Zverev wasn't winning Grand Slams.

Roger Federer said Alexander was 'far too passive' and 'defensive' to win Grand Slams

Ahead of the 2024 Laver Cup, Federer delivered his verdict on Zverev's shortcomings.

"When I watch him play, I see someone who plays far too passively, far too defensively in the decisive moments. Against the best players in the world, you have to take the initiative and play offensively. He didn't do that against [Taylor] Fritz," said Federer.

"There's not much missing. But to win a Grand Slam, you have to trust your shots and play more offensively. He has to believe in this path. Every cell in your body has to feel that this is the only right way. The title doesn't just come to you, especially not the first one."

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"That's nothing I don't know. It's absolutely clear to me that I didn't play the way I want to play. That was a terrible game from me. That's why it's completely okay what Roger said," said Zverev in response.

Federer was referring to Zverev's quarter-final defeat against Taylor Fritz at the 2024 US Open. Zverev had been expected to advance to face Frances Tiafoe in the semis, but fell short.

2024 US Open – Taylor Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6

Falling short became second nature to Zverev at the Grand Slam level, leading many to label him the 'greatest player to have never won a major'. Heading into the 2026 season, the German had won 24 ATP titles, two ATP Finals titles, Olympic gold, and seven Masters 1000s, but Grand Slam glory evaded him.

Alexander Zverev's close calls at Grand Slams (before 2026)

Alexander Zverev's close calls at Grand Slams

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Grand Slam final defeats to Dominic Thiem, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner stung most, but his six semi-final and six quarter-final exits were also big missed opportunities. Zverev had failed to win any of his first 39 Grand Slam main draws before extending his winless streak to 40 by losing to Alcaraz in the 2026 Australian Open semis.

But at the French Open, an opportunity to silence his doubters presented itself. Alcaraz was missing due to injury, and his two closest rivals, Sinner and Novak Djokovic, both failed to reach the fourth round. Heading into the second week, Zverev was the clear favourite for the title.

The draw continued opening up for him, as he qualified for his fourth major final without beating a top-10 player. He then met world number 14 Flavio Cobolli in the final. Zverev looked anything but convincing, but held his nerve to beat the Italian in five sets to become a Grand Slam champion for the first time.

Then at Wimbledon, Zverev finished as runner-up to Sinner before winning the US Open to end the season as a two-time major champion.

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But did Federer's advice lead Zverev to victory? Not necessarily. The German was more aggressive in Paris, for sure, but that's not how he won the US Open title.

He was solid from the baseline at Flushing Meadows and made fewer mistakes than his opponents. That was enough to win the US Open, although it may not have been if he had played the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner.

So, looking ahead to 2027, Zverev might want to listen to Federer's comments once more…

Will Alexander Zverev be the favourite for the 2027 Australian Open?

If Alcaraz and Sinner are fit, Zverev won't be the favourite for the Australian Open. Alcaraz won this year's Australian Open and Sinner won in 2024 and 2025.

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However, Zverev will be a not-so-distant third favourite. The German has proven he can win Grand Slams, and if the Spaniard or the Italian slip up, he is likely to be the man to take advantage.

He has a 36-11 record in Melbourne, his worst of all the four Grand Slams, but that is still more than respectable. If he plays as well as he has at the major tournaments this year, don't be surprised to see Zverev challenge for title number three down under.

The 2026 Australian Open will begin on Sunday, January 18.

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