Now Murray’s man is helping Zverev hit heights

ALEX ZVEREV will lead a new breed of uber-athlete in men’s tennis and is only going to improve after his outstanding victory over Novak Djokovic to win the Nitto ATP Finals. So says the British trainer who used to help Andy murray combine exceptional stamina with lightning speed and is now doing the same with the 21-year-old German. Jez Green has been working with Zverev almost ever since he parted from murray in 2014. He has reunited with a fellow former member of Team murray, Ivan Lendl, to try to help the world No 4 win a Grand Slam. Bookmakers yesterday were making it odds-on that they will succeed in 2019, producing a long-awaited major champion from the next generation. ‘Physically he is a natural athlete with an old-school work ethic,’ said Green. ‘This work ethic came from his parents and older brother who instilled the idea that you must work hard every single day. For a player who is 6ft 6in, his movement, agility and balance are exceptional. This is the first thing I noticed when I saw him at 15. He moves low and wide and with a high level of coordination, which is very unusual at this height.’ Tall players in tennis are nothing new, but the modern breed move with an ease that would be more familiar in the NBA. Green believes the riches that have already come Zverev’s way — over £10million in prize-money alone — will not dent his desire. ‘His ambition makes him special,’ said Green. ‘He is hungry to be the best he can be and is prepared to do the work. ‘He’s also willing to invest in himself for the future. He has built a great team around him to push him to achieve his goals. ‘This shows he understands the big picture and that achieving great things in tennis is a long-term process. He is only going to get stronger and faster. ‘He also has what you can’t teach — that desire to fight and compete on court.’