"He could learn a lot from Aryna Sabalenka" – Tennis analyst criticizes Alexander Zverev for failing to resolve second serve issues

Alexander Zverev recently spent six months on the sidelines as he recovered from a devastating ankle injury, which he suffered in the semifinals of the 2022 French Open. The German is now showing glimpses of his best again, but many believe his biggest pre-injury weakness - the second serve - is still a matter of concern.

Zverev is currently participating in the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships. While commenting on his post-injury form, tennis analyst Gill Gross commended the German for making a significant physical recovery.

“Zverev - I agree he is moving well. Physically, looks pretty good,” Gross said on his 'Monday Match Analysis' podcast. “He seems to be getting better and better. Slow process.”

But the analyst went on to mention that despite the progress, Zverev is facing a few issues - including uncharacteristic unforced errors and a below-par forehand.

“It’s taking some time for him to get confident on the forehand side. There’s no doubt about that. There are more, kind of sloppy, unforced errors than Zverev at his best should be throwing in,” he said.

Gill Gross was most disappointed to see Alexander Zverev continue with his poor win percentage on second serve. He stated that it is high time the former World No. 2 worked on eliminating the issue.

“Second serve has been brutal though. Really brutal. If I go to the top-50 leaderboard for second serve points won, Alexander Zverev is second-worst on tour, ahead of only Alexander Bublik,” Gross said.

“Zverev’s winning 46.4% of his second serve points. Sonin the top-50, that is in 49th place. That’s awful for second serve points. Sohthat’s really held him back.”

Gross also made a reference to 2023 Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable turnaround this season after her shockingly bad form in 2022. Sabalenka dished out 428 double faults last season, the most by any player on the WTA tour, but has improved the shot significantly in 2023.

“It's pretty unfortunate to see that because that’s kind of been an issue forever and just remains an issue," Gross said. "I think he could learn a lot from Aryna Sabalenka. That’s all I’ll say."

“You have a problem? Go to the damn garage," he added. "Do something. Change it. Zverev has seemingly not been interested in doing that for five years now. And it’s just the same thing.”

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Alexander Zverev gears up for his first semifinal of 2023 at Dubai Tennis Championships

Alexander Zverev at the 2023 aDubai Tennis Championships

Alexander Zverev’s first few tournaments of 2023 did not yield favorable results. But the former World No. 2 is steadily getting back into his groove, and is now in his first semifinal since returning from injury.

Zverev has notched up some noteworthy wins at the on-going Dubai Tennis Championships. He saw off Jiri Lehecka and Christopher O’Connell before dismissing Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals.

The German is now set to clash against defending champion Andrey Rublev for a spot in the final. Should he beat Rublev, Zverev will face the winner of the much-anticipated battle between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.