Alexander Zverev, former World No. 2 tennis player, has split with his coach Sergi Bruguera in the lead-up to the 2023 French Open. The pair has worked together since May 2022, with Bruguera being a vital part of Zverev’s coaching team. The decision to part ways comes after a series of unfavorable results for Zverev, which saw him lose his status as Germany’s No. 1 tennis player.
Diverging opinions on Zverev’s playing strategy
Zverev revealed the reason for their separation is the differing opinions on how he should approach his tennis playing, especially in the wake of an injury he sustained. He stated during a media interaction ahead of the French Open 2023, “My father, Sergi, and myself, we don’t have the same opinion of how I should approach my tennis, how I should play tennis after my injury. I had another opinion, we tried.”
Bruguera’s presence due to Zverev’s father’s ill health
The World No. 27 explained that Bruguera was brought into the team due to his father’s ill health, and their decision to split occurred after Zverev lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Round of 16 at the Madrid Open. He said, “Sergi is no longer part of the team. It was always a clear plan that he is with me because my father didn’t feel well in terms of health. We decided together with Sergi after Madrid a few weeks ago that we finish our work.”
Zverev’s appreciation for Bruguera
Despite their professional split, Zverev expressed his appreciation for Bruguera and his contribution to his career, especially during his father’s absence. He noted that the Spanish coach helped him immensely over one-and-a-half years and wished him the best for his future. “But he is a superb person. I don’t have a single bad word to say about him. He helped me extremely [well for] one-and-a-half years ago until Paris last year, in times where my father was not there. I wish him nothing but the best for the future,” he added.
Looking forward to regaining competitive momentum
As he looks ahead to the future, Alexander Zverev’s primary objective is to familiarize himself with the competitive environment again. After sustaining an ankle injury in the semifinals of the French Open 2022, he missed most of the season and has struggled to regain top form. He is seeded at No. 22 in the French Open 2023 and will face South Africa’s Lloyd Harris in the first round.
