Emma Raducanu’s former coach issues defence of Alexander Zverev and insists he plays within the rules
Alexander Zverev may have just won the US Open title, but the reaction has been far from overwhelmingly positive.
After all, one negative narrative that really picked up as he went through the competition surrounded his serve, and particularly how long it took him to toss the ball.
It was stated that he had bounced the ball roughly 12,000 times before the semi-final, and during the final, the umpire had to warn him for taking too long between serves.
Ben Shelton has discussed this controversy surrounding Zverev already following his loss, whilst others have called for a rule change because of it.
However, Mark Petchey has now leapt to his defence.
Mark Petchey jumps to Alexander Zverev’s defence over serve controversy
Taking to X, he began with a rather controversial, contrary stance to which most have been taking.
The former coach of Emma Raducanu simply wrote: “I love the fact that @AlexZverev plays within the rules.”
How would you stop Alexander Zverev taking so much time before serving?
Zverev has frustrated opponents at the US Open with his ball bouncing before serving…
Petchey then explained why: “One of the very few players who walks around the net after the first game and at the changeovers in tiebreaks.
“Serves within 25 seconds. The ball bouncing isn’t the issue. It’s the 70% plus 1st serves in that’s the problem for everyone.
“Overcome some absolutely brutal heartbreaking losses. Granite mentality and work ethic. Double Major winner in a season Hall of Fame career incoming.
“Congratulations Sascha.”
Juan Martin del Potro reacts to Alexander Zverev getting a warning during the US Open final
Interestingly, Juan Martin del Potro briefly gave his opinion on this during the US Open final.
Speaking live on ESPN, just after Alexander Zverev had complained about being given a warning, the Argentinian took an interesting standpoint.
Do you believe that Alexander Zverev will win Grand Slams in 2027 with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz back?
He argued: “The only reason she said that is that Zverev is playing Shelton. He’s played six matches, nobody has said anything… until now.”
That being said, Zverev was also warned during his match against Karen Khachanov, with the Russian also expressing his annoyance afterwards.
