Alexander Zverev’s decision had emerged. The fact that the top German tennis player currently feels little desire to compete in a show tournament in Berlin is understandable in its core. For one, he has just signed a new coach with former Spanish professional David Ferrer.
At least for a 15-day “trial period” in which to test whether the collaboration works at all. After the sometimes spectacularly unsuccessful attempts with the “star coaches” Juan Carlos Ferrero and Ivan Lendl, that doesn’t seem like a bad idea. And joint training sessions are therefore more valuable than participating in a show competition at home.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old in Berlin should have asked himself some uncomfortable questions at the latest at the first press conference. Questions about his less than exemplary behavior in recent weeks. For example, to take part in the Adria Tour organized by Novak Djokovic, which largely dispensed with hygiene protection measures – and ultimately became a corona hotspot. Or to his subsequent announcement that he would voluntarily quarantine for two weeks. But then he was seen on a video at an exuberant beach party in Monaco a few days later. Because of social distance.
Due to his short-term cancellation for Berlin, he at least circumvents this confrontation. He also misses the chance to compete with top opponents such as the Austrian world rankings third Dominic Thiem at competition level. However, given current Corona developments, it is unclear whether the ATP Tour can actually resume play in August in the United States as planned.
Zverev once again eludes communication in a difficult situation. His statement on social networks only conveyed the bare essentials. There is no real discussion of the criticism of his behavior.
The bottom line is that he nourishes the image of the at least unapproachable, perhaps even detached young star that he has formed, especially in the German public. And on which he himself helped to draw. Zverev’s cancellation is therefore also a missed opportunity to correct the battered image somewhat. As comprehensible as it may be at its core.
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