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The Tennis Podcast: Leon Smith on how Ivan Lendl will help Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev talks with coach Ivan Lendl during a practice session prior to the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 10, 2018 in London, England - Getty Images Europe
Alexander Zverev talks with coach Ivan Lendl during a practice session prior to the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 10, 2018 in London, England - Getty Images Europe

As Alexander Zverev reached the last four of the ATP Finals for the first time, Leon Smith joined David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport) on The Tennis Podcast to talk all about him.

What does Smith make of Zverev’s progress? When does he predict him to start breaking through at the Grand Slams? And are we expecting too much too soon, bearing in mind he’s still up against the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer?

Having seen Andy Murray’s partnerships with Ivan Lendl up close, Leon Smith also offers an insight into what he thinks Lendl will bring to Zverev’s game. Will he instil the necessary self-belief? Will he make some technical adjustments? And is it possible than Zverev has played the Lendl card too early in his career? Smith also busts some myths about what Lendl is really like.

Elsewhere, Smith looks ahead to Saturday’s semi-finals at the O2 arena. Will Federer’s variety be too much for Zverev? What makes Djokovic such a brilliant returner?

Finally, Smith shares his thoughts on the ATP Cup launch and reminisces about captaining Britain to Davis Cup glory.

The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly in association with Telegraph Sport, and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments.

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