Kohler supports Zverev’s chances of winning a Grand Slam: Don’t forget, I also won my first Grand Slam at 28.

The Turin ATP Finals are heating up, and Germany’s Zverev competed in the second singles match. He continued his steady performance this season, comfortably beating Shelton to get off to a winning start!

Reviewing the German’s year, it was a story of “starting strong but fading.” After reaching the Australian Open final but losing to Sinner, his form dropped sharply. Following the suspension of the world No.1, he exited early in several tournaments, missing the opportunity to become number one. Later at the French Open, he lost in the quarterfinals to Djokovic, dropping valuable points. Wimbledon and the US Open saw even earlier exits, causing many to doubt whether he could ever win a Grand Slam. Some fans commented, “With health concerns, aging, and a conservative playing style, it’s hard to have high hopes for him anymore.”

In response, Kohler, a fellow German and three-time Grand Slam champion, recently expressed strong support for the younger player in an interview. She cited her own experience of winning her first Grand Slam at 28 to emphasize that Zverev’s skill and experience will eventually help him break through.

Kohler openly stated in the interview that Zverev is extremely close to a Grand Slam title: “He is definitely near a Grand Slam victory; he has already won Masters, the ATP Finals, and an Olympic gold medal, proving his strength.”

She specifically analyzed Zverev’s mental challenges, saying, “I think he puts too much pressure on himself during Grand Slams, and the expectations from media and fans only add to this burden. But remember, I won my first Grand Slam at 28, and Sasha (Zverev) also needs time to mature.” Additionally, Kohler highlighted Zverev’s ability to compete against top players: “He has beaten Alcaraz and Sinner, which shows he has the talent; he just needs more patience.”

It’s worth noting that Zverev has fallen short in all three of his Grand Slam final appearances—at the 2020 US Open, he lost after leading by two sets to Tim; at the 2024 French Open, he was overturned by Alcaraz after leading 2-1; and at the 2025 Australian Open, he was defeated 0-3 by Sinner. These matches revealed his tendency to falter mentally in critical moments and his habitual conservative and rigid playing style.

Kohler believes this “final step” disappointment mirrors her early career experience: “The world expects young players to succeed quickly, but winning a Grand Slam requires a combination of skill, luck, and experience.”

Spanning two eras, Zverev’s career has faced the dominance of the “Big Three” Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic early on, and more recently the “new duo” Alcaraz and Sinner. He has twice defeated Alcaraz on the Grand Slam stage, proving his technique matches any top player. However, issues with form and injury management have repeatedly caused him to fall short just as he neared a breakthrough.

Kohler believes, “He has an intense desire to succeed, but high expectations often turn into self-criticism.” She urges media and fans to ease the pressure regarding his title drought: “Sasha gives his all every year to stay at his peak, and maintaining a top-five ranking is already a significant achievement.”

Opinions in tennis about Zverev’s future are divided. Some experts praise his all-around skills; former player Evert noted, “His serve and baseline game are top-tier, but the best-of-five format requires greater endurance and focus.” Fans are split—supporters highlight his consistency with 14 Grand Slam quarterfinals and 3 finals, while critics mock him as “weak under pressure.”

Kohler ultimately emphasized that Zverev needs a calmer mindset and ongoing growth: “Everyone has their own path. I was also doubted before 28, but the experience I gained culminated in my Australian Open breakthrough.” She firmly believes that Zverev’s long-awaited Grand Slam trophy will come: “We just need to be patient and watch him create his own legacy.”

From Olympic gold to the ATP Finals title, Zverev already holds most pieces of the Grand Slam puzzle. What remains might simply be the “time and experience” Kohler mentioned—just as she rebirthed her career at Wimbledon at 28, Zverev’s breakthrough may only require the perfect storm of timing, conditions, and form. That storm is quietly building with every shot he hits and every point he earns. How much longer until it arrives? Let’s wait and see!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)