Boris Becker makes Alexander Zverev Grand Slam claim as he clarifies criticism of world No 3
Boris Becker has told Alexander Zverev he is “on his side” after clarifying his recent criticism of the world No 3.
In the aftermath of Zverev’s French Open quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic, tennis icon Becker and former WTA Tour star Barbara Rittner were critical of the 28-year-old and his coaching set-up.
Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner, claimed that Zverev had to replace his father, Alexander Sr, and brother, Mischa, as his coaches if he wanted to win an elusive major title.
“At some point, you need new noises and a new environment. It’s the same in football, as a football coach you don’t normally stay with a club for 10 years,” commented the former world No 1 on German TV.
“He [Zverev] is the one who decides. He is the chairman of the board, the CEO. He decides what Team Zverev will look like in the future. His father and brother did an excellent job, but it wasn’t good enough for the final step.”
Speaking ahead of his Stuttgart Open campaign, the week after his loss to Djokovic, three-time Grand Slam finalist Zverev fired back at his compatriot.
“I talked to Boris a lot, had a lot of contact with him before he made those statements,” said Zverev.
“Before this crew had all that to say, I had a great relationship with him. I don’t know why it all has to be like this now.”
Becker, who remains the last German man to win a Grand Slam title, had not previously responded to Zverev’s comments.
However, in quotes reported by Eurosport Germany, the 57-year-old claimed that he was “convinced” Zverev could rise to world No 1, and win a Grand Slam.
“I’m on his side. I want him to win,” Becker said. “These are just suggestions for improvement or hints.
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“I’m convinced he can become world number one. I’m convinced he can win a Grand Slam.
“He’s by far the best German. That’s why I’m making these statements. I see the potential. I see the opportunity.”
“It’s up to him to develop further.”
Zverev is considered by many to be the best male player of the Open Era to have never won a Grand Slam, with 24 ATP Tour titles to his name.
The 28-year-old has a career-high ranking of world No 2 and was the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, winning seven Masters 1000 titles and two further ATP Finals titles across his career to date.
A major title is the one trophy that has eluded him, with runner-up finishes at the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, and 2025 Australian Open.
Zverev’s next chance of winning a first Grand Slam title will come at Wimbledon, which begins next Monday.
The world No 3 will be the third seed at the tournament, though statistically it is his weakest major, with three fourth-round finishes his best result at SW19 to date.
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