Boris Becker explains why Alexander Zverev is now primed for the top

Ivan Lendl can be a key difference-maker for Alexander Zverev as he attempts to break into the elite ranks on the ATP Tour, says Boris Becker.
Zverev won his biggest title in his career so far last week, beating both Roger Fererer and Novak Djokovic to claim the ATP Finals crown.
That has prompted much debate about whether or not the German is ready to finally make a breakthrough at the top of the rankings and end his Grand Slam struggles, and compatriot Becker says he now has a critical edge.
“So I’m happy he now has Ivan Lendl as a coach because Ivan, who won eight Grand Slam titles, can tell him the same stories I can tell him and brings an understanding of the game to his team,” Becker said
“We have a lot of coaches, and no disrespect to them, but in order to win Grand Slam matches and become number one in the world it is easier to talk to people who have been there and about their own experiences.
“Often it is a small margin and when you have someone on the sideline who has been there it has a big effect.
“It is very brave for Sascha to ask someone like Lendl to join his coaching team.
“It shows you Sascha’s motivation and his goals for the future.
“He wants to win and be the best so he is surrounding himself with the best.”
More from Tennis365:
Comment: Roger Federer’s lack of excuses suggest he is closer to the end that we feared
EXCLUSIVE: Greg Rusedski makes a bold Novak Djokovic prediction ahead of 2019 season
EXCLUSIVE: Greg Rusedski gives his verdict on what comes next for Roger Federer
Comment: Agnieszka Radwanska retires as one of Poland’s all-time greats
Comment: A Roger Federer in decline is still far better than most players, so respect it
Top 10: Things that have happened on the ATP Tour since Novak Djokovic last finished year as No 1
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Why Elena Rybakina’s Indian Wells win could be a breakthrough moment
Elena Rybakina is emerging as the biggest threat to Iga Swiatek at the top of the women’s game after Indian Wells win.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz banishes Novak Djokovic ‘asterisk’ snipe as he reclaims No 1 ranking
Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he was a worthy world No 1 after his stunning win against Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells.
-
WTA Tour
Miami Open draw: Emma Raducanu handed nightmare opener
British No 1 Emma Raducanu is set for a tough start to her Miami Open campaign after she was drawn against Bianca Andreescu.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas impressed and inspired by Jim Courier
Stefanos Tsitsipas fanboys over Jim Courier’s commentary.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what it means to be ‘In Flow’
Stefanos Tsitsipas said: ‘It felt like I was in a cage and someone decided to unlock the cage and I suddenly felt free.’
-
News
John McEnroe talks trash ahead of pickleball clash with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick
John McEnroe is ready to take on Andre Agassi one more time.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Carlos Alcaraz chasing No 1, Daniil Medvedev back in top five
Carlos Alcaraz has a window to regain the top rankings spot.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz sets Indian Wells showdown with Daniil Medvedev
Carlos Alcaraz is one win away from becoming World No 1 again.
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina set to secure a new career-high WTA ranking
Elena Rybakina will reach a new career-high but victory at Indian Wells will see her supplant Maria Sakkari as world No 7.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka says she has been subjected to abuse over nationality
Aryna Sabalenka said it was wrong to blame tennis players for the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.