ATP Tour

Zverev, with major handbrake off, joins greats in racing to second Slam title

Win your first. Remember how. Rinse and repeat.

The history of the ATP Tour reveals a common theme among the great champions: Once they have savoured the sweet taste of success, a second triumph very often follows shortly afterwards. Lifting the trophy at a Grand Slam, one of the sport’s ultimate goals, gives the champion an immediate sense of freedom. The impossible suddenly seems practically routine. Or, at the very least, well within their reach.

The latest example of this phenomenon comes in the form of Alexander Zverev, who won the US Open just months after opening his major account at Roland Garros. The German, who claimed his second Grand Slam title in New York on Sunday, clearly demonstrated that he has broken free from the shackles that have been holding him back for so many years.

In recent seasons, the unfortunate moniker of ‘best player without a Grand Slam trophy’ has been bestowed upon the Hamburg native. The German, a two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion and permanent fixture in the later rounds on the ATP Tour, has had to endure a long wait for his breakthrough.

The weight of expectation was beginning to take its toll on the German, who would constantly make reference to the matter during his media appearances. “I’d rather be the worst player in history with a Grand Slam title,” he jokingly replied when asked about the subject.

The German had racked up 10 semi-finals without lifting a trophy, which was unprecedented in the Open Era. He held the record for the most weeks in the Top 10 without a Grand Slam title to his name. He was fourth in the list of most matches won at the majors without lifting a trophy, and he lost his first three Grand Slam finals… So close. So many times.

However, victory in Paris, followed by his triumph in New York, has set those records straight. Far from being an isolated case, his upturn in fortunes highlights a psychological phenomenon in top-level competition that is confirmed by the history books.

A total of 55 players have claimed their first Grand Slam title in the Open Era. Of these, 30 managed to repeat the feat a second time. In other words, more than half of the major champions in the professional era found a way to win again. History tells us that once they have won, most champions will reach the summit again.

No. of participations at Grand Slam tournaments required to claim second major title

Within this context, one very clear trend stands out. Of all those who managed to claim another major crown, the vast majority did so almost straight away. The feeling of that first trophy seems to instil absolute confidence, something that can only be accessed through victory. Of those 30 players who tasted glory once more, 19 achieved it in one of their next three Grand Slam attempts. The spell is immediate. Crossing that threshold quickly gives the champion an aura of invincibility.

This feat, of course, does not come without immense hardship. The other side of the coin shows players who reached the pinnacle only once. In the Open Era, there are 26 Grand Slam singles champions who failed to lift a second trophy, including members of the ATP No. 1 Club such as Thomas Muster, Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Andy Roddick, and Daniil Medvedev, although the latter is still an active player.

Zverev’s victory at Flushing Meadows leaves a certain feeling in the air. The German, who fell at the final hurdle at Wimbledon, now has the confidence to freewheel. He has earned the kind of self-assurance that is characteristic of the great champions. Put simply, you never forget the road to success.

Editor's note: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es