Alexander Zverev needs to take his time on the tour before he wins a grand slam title, according to former French Open finalist Henri Leconte.
The 20-year-old is the youngest player in the world‘s top-20 at fifth in the world. He has already secured his place in the Nito ATP Finals after what has been a successful season. Zverev has won five ATP titles so far this year, including two at Masters level. Heading into this week’s Vienna Open, he has a win-loss record of 52-18 in 2017. Zverev’s tour success has failed to bring him any luck in the grand slams. He is yet to reach the second week of any major with his best run being to the fourth round at Wimbledon in July.
Speaking about the German to Sky Sports, Leconte believes he needs to slow down before triumphing in the big events. The Frenchman has urged Zverev to ‘enjoy the moment’ and stop applying too much pressure on himself.
“He has a great future and everybody is expecting him to win a Grand Slam tournament. But he has put a lot of pressure on himself – he has to slow down a little bit,” said Leconte.
“He has to try and enjoy it and really have fun. He has to really prepare himself – that’s the way the game is now. But sometimes it’s important to release everything and enjoy the moment.”
Leconte has warned that too pushing too hard at a young age could result in injuries for the world No.5. So far in his career, Zverev has achieved ten wins over top-10 opponents, including six this season. Some of his triumphs include wins over Roger Federer twice, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka (twice) and Kei Nishikori.
“When you try and do too much, like the horses; you’re running, running and running, and you don’t look around.” The 54-year-old explained.
“He has great potential, but he’s tough on himself – he’s always pushing. If you’re like that then it can be dangerous because you can pick up injuries.
“He has more pressure because people see him as a future world No 1. It takes time, don’t rush, be yourself.”
At the China Open, Zverev recently dismissed the motion that he under too much pressure. Explaining that his focus remains on his own goals and not what other people are saying about him. Both Federer and Rafael Nadal have previously tipped him to be a future world No.1.
“I’ve been dealing with expectations since a very young age. I’ve learned how to deal with them. Obviously it becomes more and more the higher you are ranked.” Said Zverev.
“But, look, I try not to listen too much from what other people expect from me or what other people think of me.”
Zverev is the top seed in Vienna this week. He will start his campaign on Monday against Viktor Troicki.
