Criticism of Alexander Zverev by former No. 1 is completely unfair

One can criticize a player's form in a single match while praising their overall form in a tournament. Both things can be true. Such is the case with Alexander Zverev at the US Open. Former WTA No. 1 and current tennis commentator Justine Henin had a harsh word about the German, however.

Of note here, none of what this article is about has anything to do with Zverev's off-court issues. This is completely about how he has played for a lot of 2024.

Speaking with Eurosport during the recent US Open and after Zverev lost to Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals, Henin said Zverev was a "disappointment." This seems overly critical as, while the German did not play particularly well against Fritz, the American was also playing at near-peak form. So much so that he made the finals before losing to Jannik Sinner.

Justine Henin has too harsh a word to describe Alexander Zverev

Zverev's run at the US Open was successful no matter if he won the tournament or not. Because of the early losses of Carlos Alcaraz and Roger Federer, Zverev is now No. 2 on the ATP tour. He was far off of Sinner's pace, but the German also has a good chance to hold on to his ranking into next year.

It is true that Zverev has never won a Grand Slam - only Daniil Medvedev in Zverev's age group has found such success - he has won six Masters 1000s, made two finals at majors, won the ATP Finals twice, and is now No. 2. He also had a chance at No. 1 a couple of years ago before being derailed by a horrible ankle injury.

Henin said on Eurosport, "Zverev is a disappointment. There were expectations. For me, it’s mainly the manner. I found him extremely defensive. At one point, you say to yourself that to win a Grand Slam, and he came close to doing it at Roland Garros and at the same time so far, he has to dare even more."

Again, both things can be true. Zverev played a bad match, but he is still No. 2. Calling him a disappointment is too harsh. Plus, a disappointment to whom? Off-court issues aside, many players would love to reach No. 2 on the ATP tour. The German has not yet won a Grand Slam, but 2025 could be the year he does it.

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