Boris Becker identifies worrying Alexander Zverev trend amid rumoured coach-player partnership

Ewan West
Pictured: Alexander Zverev and Boris Becker
Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev

Tennis icon Boris Becker has singled out the biggest reason for Alexander Zverev’s struggles since the Australian Open as he identified a concerning trend in his compatriot’s recent losses.

Zverev lost to Jannik Sinner in the title match at the 2025 Australian Open in January — his third defeat in as many Grand Slam final appearances.

The world No 2 has managed just a 6-5 record and failed to progress past the quarter-finals at the five tournaments he has played since the year’s first major.

Speaking on his podcast with former world No 9 Andrea Petkovic, Becker argued it is Zverev’s loss of belief that has been holding him back rather than any technical issues.

“I always start with it, with the mental attitude, he is not as convinced of himself at the moment as he was in Melbourne or as he was at the end of last year,” the former world No 1 said.

“Can you train something like that? I know in Florida, there are the best training centres for forehand and backhand, for fitness, but is there also a school for mentality, for self-confidence, for inner peace, for inner faith?

“I don’t think so, and that’s something where I think a little that he just has to look there, who can take him further, who can help him there, because ultimately for me that is the difference between victory and defeat with him at the moment.”

At his most recent tournament, Zverev won back-to-back matches at the Miami Open before losing in three sets to Arthur Fils in the last 16.

Becker was encouraged by this improved showing, but also pointed out that the Fils defeat continued a theme of Zverev losing from winning positions.

“I think Miami was better,” assessed the six-time Grand Slam winner.

“I was a little worried that between Indian Wells and Miami, he would take refuge somewhere in the desert and take a break.

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“But he probably went to Florida to his second home, then trained even more, which I can’t even imagine, and really played better against Jordan Thompson and Co.

“He plays against Arthur Fils, he has already lost to him in Hamburg, that can happen, this Frenchman, 20 years young, so extremely strong.

“But he had a break in the third and then lost. With serve, with a break in the third, you are actually on the winning track.

“He had a break in the third against the Argentine [Francisco] Comesana in Rio. He served against [Tallon] Griekspoor in Indian Wells for the match.

“He has now lost with a break in the third again, so that has nothing to do with the forehand or the fitness.”

Zverev will aim to win his first title of the year at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he is the top seed.

In a video shared by Sky Sport DE, Becker was seen watching Zverev practise courtside in Monte Carlo, sparking speculation about a collaboration between the pair.

Zverev refused to confirm whether he has added Becker to his coaching team, but he did not shut down the possibility.

“Boris and I have a great connection. If anything happens, we’ll let you know… In the meantime, you can speculate and make a story out of it. I’m not saying anything about it,” the 27-year-old told Sky Sport DE.

Zverev will face either Matteo Berrettini or a qualifier in his opening match at the Masters 1000 event.

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