Alexander Zverev, the World No. 3 and Olympic gold medalist, has set the tennis world alight with his revelation of the ultimate mixed doubles partner he wishes he could have teamed up with: none other than WTA legend Serena Williams. Speaking at a promotional event in London ahead of the 2025 National Bank Open, the 28-year-old German star shared his admiration for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, sparking excitement among fans about what could have been an electrifying partnership. As Zverev prepares for the hard-court season, his candid reflection on Williams’ unparalleled legacy and their potential on-court chemistry has added a fresh layer of intrigue to his already illustrious career.
Zverev’s comments came during a lighthearted Q&A session, where he was asked to name his dream mixed doubles partner from any era. Without hesitation, he chose Williams, citing her dominance, competitive fire, and versatility. “I would have loved to play with Serena,” Zverev said, his eyes lighting up. “She was so good at everything—serving, groundstrokes, net play, mentality. I think we would have had some fun and maybe won a few matches!” The German, known for his powerful baseline game and recent success in team competitions like the United Cup, where he partnered with Laura Siegemund to clinch the 2024 title, clearly sees Williams as the perfect complement to his aggressive style. The idea of their combined athleticism and intensity—Zverev’s 6’6” frame and booming serve alongside Williams’ legendary power—has fans buzzing on social media, with one user posting, “Zverev and Serena in mixed doubles? That’s a dream team that would’ve crushed it!”
Williams, who retired in 2022 after a storied career that included 39 Grand Slam titles (23 singles, 14 women’s doubles, and 2 mixed doubles), was a force in mixed doubles, winning Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 1998 with Max Mirnyi. Her ability to dominate from the baseline and command the net made her a formidable partner, a quality Zverev clearly admires. “Serena’s ability to just take over a match, that’s something you don’t see often,” he added, reflecting on her 2017 Australian Open triumph while pregnant, a feat that cemented her as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Zverev, who has reached three Grand Slam finals but is yet to claim a major, expressed regret that their careers overlapped only briefly, with Williams in her twilight years when he rose to prominence.
Zverev’s mixed doubles experience is notable, particularly his success at the 2024 United Cup, where he and Siegemund defeated Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek in a decisive match tiebreak to secure Germany’s victory. His earlier partnerships with Sabine Lisicki and Angelique Kerber at the Hopman Cup from 2016 to 2019 also showcased his doubles prowess, with standout performances including a 2018 final appearance alongside Kerber. “I’ve always enjoyed mixed doubles because it’s a different challenge,” Zverev said. “You have to think fast, communicate, and adapt. With someone like Serena, I think we’d have been unstoppable.” His recent training stint with Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy has further sharpened his game, with fans noting a more aggressive forehand and improved net play, skills that could have meshed seamlessly with Williams’ dynamic style.
The timing of Zverev’s comments adds intrigue as he navigates a pivotal moment in his career. After a heartbreaking straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final and a shock first-round exit to Arthur Rinderknech at Wimbledon, Zverev has been open about his mental struggles. “It’s difficult to find joy outside the tennis court for me at the moment,” he admitted post-Wimbledon, a vulnerability that prompted his recent collaboration with Toni Nadal to regain focus. The prospect of pairing with Williams, even hypothetically, seems to have lifted his spirits, offering a glimpse into his passion for the sport’s history. Fans on X have embraced the fantasy pairing, with one joking, “Serena would’ve been yelling ‘Come on!’ while Sascha blasts serves—pure chaos and brilliance.”
As Zverev gears up for the Canadian Open, where he won in 2017, and the US Open, where he reached the 2020 final, his dream of playing with Williams remains a tantalizing what-if. The German, who has 24 ATP titles, including seven Masters 1000 crowns and two ATP Finals, is determined to add a Grand Slam to his resume. While a mixed doubles partnership with Williams will remain a fantasy, his admiration for her legacy underscores his ambition to emulate her championship mentality. With Toni Nadal’s guidance and a renewed focus, Zverev’s pursuit of greatness continues, fueled by the inspiration of tennis’s ultimate icon.
Leave a Reply