Alexander Zverev concerned by lack of preparation as he begins grass-court swing

By SABC Sport
16th June 2026

Alexander Zverev says he is quickly shifting focus to the grass-court season as he looks to build on his Roland Garros triumph and improve his record on the surface.

The German claimed his first Grand Slam title in Paris after defeating Flavio Cobolli in a five-set final, but has already turned his attention to a part of the calendar where he has traditionally struggled.

Zverev has never gone beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon and is still searching for his first ATP Tour singles title on grass, a gap he will hope to close at the Halle Open.

The German event marks his first outing since Roland Garros, and he is targeting a maiden title there as several leading players begin their grass-court campaigns.

Speaking to press ahead of the German event, he said: "The tournament is in Germany, so you want to perform and play at your best. I've been practising quite hard and practising quite [well]. It's a tough adjustment from a good but long clay-court season to a grass court in a couple of days. But I'll do my best and will be ready."

However, Zverev also issued a worrying update about his progress on the surface ahead of his appearance at the Halle Open and Wimbledon.

Asked how his grass court game is shaping up, he responded: "I don't know yet, I'll be honest. I've only had two practice days.

"It's a tough adjustment, it's tough to come from the clay courts to grass courts and we didn't have the best weather here yet, so I haven't had a lot of practice, but tennis-wise I do feel like I'm playing good. Of course I played well the past couple of weeks, but the adjustment is the one that needs some time.

"I didn't have time yet, so I hope the next two days will be sunshine and I can practise a lot and just be ready on the court."

Zverev reached back-to-back finals at the Halle Open in 2016 and 2017, but he is yet to claim the title. He was beaten by Florian Mayer and Roger Federer in back-to-back years.

The star has not reached the final since, but he has played the event several times over the years.

He will play Vit Kopriva in the first round of this year's event as he looks to claim the first grass court title of his career.

He has been drawn in the same side of the draw as Joao Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Bublik, and Nick Kyrgios, so it will not be easy for the number one seed.