Tennis
Personality clash behind Zverev's Lendl split
Alexander Zverev feels his and Ivan Lendl's personalities "didn't fit" and it was best to end their partnership.
Zverev, 22, had worked with the Czech-born American for the past year, with the highlight being victory at the 2018 ATP Finals in London.
The German beat Novak Djokovic in the final but has been unable to push on this year, with a march to the quarter-finals of the French Open his best run in the Grand Slam events.
The Monaco resident was a first-round casualty at Wimbledon and has decided that enough is enough, suggesting that Lendl's focus may not have always been on his client.
"We talked about it and I told him to concentrate on tennis more," Zverev said. "Sometimes we go to the tennis court, the training is two hours long, and for half-an-hour he stands with his back to me talking about the way he played golf the morning before."
The world number five wished Lendl well but believes he has made the right choice.
"Obviously, I have great respect for him but you guys probably know as well, we both felt like we were going different directions," he added. "I wish him nothing but the best. I think he will find a player very soon. And it's also about personalities and maybe we didn't fit yet."
Neil Foster is an experienced journalist who specialises in cricket and rugby union. Neil also has a solid knowledge of tennis, golf and football.
