Mouratoglou warns Jannik Sinner: “It can change everything”

World-renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou spoke on his LinkedIn profile about Alexander Zverev and his triumphant 2026: “Nine years of hitting a wall, and now two Grand Slam titles at age 29: Zverev’s story isn’t about talent. He himself says he isn’t among the most talented players on the tour.” Serena Williams’ former coach highlighted the German’s work ethic: “Two years ago, I was at the US Open with Holger Rune for a two-hour training session during the tournament. Zverev was on the court next to us, already completely drenched in sweat. We trained for two hours, and when we left, he was still there. Four hours in total. Always there, repeating, repeating, repeating.”

And then, there’s his mental toughness: “He never stopped believing in himself. For twenty years, two groups of champions have dominated the scene: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, followed later by Alcaraz and Sinner. Think of how many talented players made it ​​into the top ten dreaming of a Grand Slam, but looking at those champions, they ended up giving up. Zverev was already beating them in Masters 1000 tournaments at age twenty. But he won his first Grand Slam at twenty-nine. Nine years. I have no idea how many times he hit a wall in the meantime. Then a final. Then a second title. He reminds me of Stan Wawrinka: same generation, first Grand Slam at twenty-nine, then a second, then a third.”

And now the balance of power at the top could shift as well: “Some will say he hasn’t beaten either Alcaraz or Sinner. That’s true. When an opportunity arises, it’s the players who keep working and believing in themselves who seize it. Many others could have won those two titles. He’s the one who managed to pull it off.”

Sascha has lost his last 10 matches against Sinner: “Zverev also said that, when he returns, Sinner will still be the best player in the world. Given Sinner’s dominance over him, I understand that statement. From a tennis perspective, I consider Sinner to be superior. What interests me is the effect that two Grand Slam titles have on a player’s mindset: winning instills confidence in decisive moments. Their next matchup will be of enormous importance, and if Zverev were to win, the rivalry could change radically.”