Nothing Major 89: Alexander Zverev Joins the Pod, Dinners with Rafa & Chasing Grand Slam Glory | EP 89
6 snips
Aug 1, 2025 
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, known for his Australian Open final appearance and multiple Masters 1000 titles, shares a hilariously candid conversation. He discusses the aftermath of his Australian Open experience and his quest to escape the 'No Majors' club. Zverev reveals a wild dinner story with Rafa Nadal, featuring a surprise forehand masterclass. He reflects on mental health in tennis, debates the 'Golden Generation' of players, and talks about life on the road with his dogs and a growing collection of dubious gold chains.
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Playing Against His Brother Misha
- Zverev and his brother Misha played twice on tour, once in 2014 qualifiers where Zverev withdrew to let his brother play, and again in 2018 in Washington.
- He shared feelings of guilt for withdrawing but prioritized his brother's chances in the 2014 match.
Mental Recovery After Major Final Loss
- Zverev described a tough mental phase after losing the Australian Open final and impulsively playing a tournament in Argentina, leading to burnout.
- He believes recovery and scheduling rest helped him regain motivation and aim to contend at the US Open.
Call for Smarter Tournament Scheduling
- Zverev urges reviewing the current ATP tournament schedule as mandatory events and their lengths limit players' ability to rest and prepare.
- He advocates for shorter Masters events and fewer mandatory tournaments to improve player health and performance.