World No.5 Alexander Zverev has accused former mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero of being ‘disrespectful’ following the ending of their partnership.
The two have been working together since July, but their collaboration ended shortly after the Australian Open. Where Zverev lost in the third round to Hyeon Chung. Spanish newspaper Marca reported last week that the two had different opinions regarding how Zverev conducts himself away from the court. Ferrero wanted him to be more professional, but the German wanted more freedom.
Shedding light on the situation following his quarter-final win at the Mexican Open, the 20-year-old claims that the former world No.1 was rude to his entire team. Saying that he was the one who ended their collaboration.
“My team is exactly the same except Juan Carlos left,” Zverev told reporters.
“We had a kind of a fight in Australia after the Australian Open, which is fine when it involves me and him. I have those kind of arguments [with other team members] and we are still working fine.
“That argument there involved my whole team and there was a moment where he was very disrespectful towards everybody in my team and that’s why I had to stop the relationship.”
— 👑 (@PrinceSascha123) 2 March 2018
Zverev has also dismissed speculation that Boris Becker will be joining his team. Becker, who has worked with Novak Djokovic in the past, is the head of German men’s tennis. Meaning that he will be present at some of Zverev’s matches. Although that is set to be as far as it goes.
“I’m not going to work with Boris Becker. This is a very big misunderstanding. He’s the head of men’s tennis in the German Federation so he’s going to be there at a few tournaments.” He explained.
“He’s always more than welcome on my court, to watch my matches, and that’s how this relationship is.”
After what has been a roller coaster start to the season, Zverev will face Juan Martin del Potro in the semifinals at Acapulco on Friday. His first tour semi-final of 2018.
