Boris Becker has reassured Alexander Zverev that he supports him, after clarifying remarks he made following Zverev’s loss to Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals.
After that defeat, Becker and fellow German tennis figure Barbara Rittner openly criticized Zverev and his coaching setup. Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, suggested that Zverev might need to part ways with his father and brother, Alexander Sr. and Mischa Zverev, as coaches if he hopes to finally secure a Grand Slam title.
“At some point, you need fresh perspectives and a new environment,” Becker said during a German TV broadcast. “It’s no different than football—managers rarely stay at one club for a decade. Zverev is in charge of Team Zverev. His family have done a great job, but it hasn’t been enough to get him over the line.”
Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, responded during his press conference ahead of the Stuttgart Open, expressing surprise and disappointment over the criticism: “I had a lot of conversations with Boris before he said all that. We had a great relationship. I don’t understand why things had to change like this.”
Becker had not replied publicly until now, but in comments shared by Eurosport Germany, he emphasized his support for Zverev.
“I’m on his side. I want him to succeed,” Becker said. “These were just suggestions, constructive feedback. I truly believe he can become world No 1 and win a Grand Slam. He’s clearly the best German player of his generation—that’s why I spoke out. I see the potential and the opportunity. Now it’s up to him to keep growing.”
Zverev, currently ranked world No 3, is widely viewed as one of the greatest male players in the Open Era yet to win a major. He owns 24 ATP titles, including seven Masters 1000s and two ATP Finals trophies. He also claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020.
Despite reaching the finals of the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, and 2025 Australian Open, a Grand Slam title continues to elude him. His next opportunity will come at Wimbledon, starting next Monday, where he will be seeded third. However, grass remains his weakest surface, with three fourth-round exits marking his best performances at SW19 so far.
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