Alexander Zverev is known for his quick wit and sense of humor, and he brought both to the forefront following his exhibition match against Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena. The German tennis star didn’t hold back, joking about Djokovic’s refusal to retire and his own elusive quest for a Grand Slam title.
The Coaching Deal That May Never Happen
Zverev revealed an amusing “agreement” between himself and the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“Me and Novak, we have a deal that once he retires, he’s going to coach me for a year,” Zverev quipped during his post-match interview. “He’s postponing that so I retire first, and he doesn’t need to do it!”
At 37 years old, Djokovic has shown no signs of slowing down, and Zverev’s playful comments highlight the aura of invincibility surrounding the Serbian legend.
Zverev’s Reaction to Djokovic Hiring Murray
The tennis world was left stunned last November when Djokovic announced that Andy Murray, another tennis great, would join his team for the Australian Open. Naturally, Zverev had a cheeky response to the news.
“What did I think? S—,” the German said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “In a negative way for me, but in a positive way for him, I guess.”
He added, “He’s a 24-time Grand Slam champion. I feel like it almost doesn’t matter anymore who he takes as a coach.”
A Race for Grand Slam Glory
Zverev, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, remains one of the most talented players on the ATP Tour yet to claim a Major title. Reflecting on Djokovic’s dominance and his own drought, the 27-year-old jokingly predicted an even wider gap in the future.
“He’s probably going to win five more [Grand Slams] while I’m still trying to chase my first,” Zverev said with a laugh. “The story continues. I get older, Novak gets younger. We will still be here in 10 years’ time.”
A Potential Semifinal Showdown
The Australian Open draw has added another layer of intrigue to their friendly rivalry. Both Zverev and Djokovic have landed in the same section of the bracket, setting the stage for a potential semifinal clash.
With Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of records and Zverev’s determination to break his Grand Slam duck, fans are in for a treat if these two meet in Melbourne.
The Takeaway
Zverev’s lighthearted remarks offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and respect shared among tennis’ top stars. Whether it’s joking about coaching deals or lamenting Djokovic’s unstoppable success, Zverev’s humor adds an entertaining twist to the intense world of professional tennis. As the 2025 season unfolds, their battles—on and off the court—promise to keep fans captivated.