Zverev Serves a Rebuttal to Becker’s Critique

Alexander Zverev has responded to criticism from tennis legend Boris Becker following his quarterfinal defeat at the French Open. Zverev’s comments came ahead of his appearance at the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart. He addressed Becker’s remarks about his coaching setup and overall performance with a mix of defiance and respect.

Becker’s Criticism

Following Zverev’s loss to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, Boris Becker suggested that Zverev should consider a change in his coaching environment. Becker implied that Zverev’s reliance on his father and brother as coaches might not be sufficient for him to take the “last step” and win a Grand Slam title. Becker stated that Zverev appeared to be stuck in a rut against top players, hoping for a good outcome without making necessary adjustments.

Zverev’s Response

Zverev didn’t hold back in his response to Becker’s assessment. He pointed out that he lost to Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players in the world, rather than an unknown player. He said, “I lost to Djokovic, not to Hans-Peter, who is ranked 250 in the world.” Zverev’s remark underscored his belief that losing to a top-tier player is understandable, especially in the context of a Grand Slam quarterfinal.

He further elaborated on his perspective, stating, “When things are going well for me, I always do everything right. When things are going badly for me, everyone else is very, very clever. Unfortunately, Boris is one of them, and so is Barbara Rittner.”

Zverev also addressed the broader issue of expert opinions, expressing his frustration with the constant advice from tennis commentators. “It’s interesting that suddenly everyone knows everything better than I do. I have no idea where all this information is coming from that is now suddenly on the table. It’s not coming from me.”

Respect for Becker

Despite his critical remarks, Zverev emphasized his respect for Becker, acknowledging his legendary status in the sport. “I still have massive respect for him. He is an absolute legend, not only in sport but in Germany in general, and also worldwide. I will always listen to what he has to say. But I don’t always have to agree with him.”

Zverev indicated that he maintains a good relationship with Becker and is open to discussing the situation with him. “I will always talk to him if he wants to talk to me… In every relationship, whether it’s with a partner or someone else, there are issues to argue about. This is perhaps one of ours at the moment.”

Zverev’s Performance and Mindset

Zverev acknowledged his disappointment with the French Open defeat but stressed his determination to improve. “Sure, it’s bitter for me. I really wanted to win the French Open and go far. But it happened the way it did, and we’ll keep looking at how we can improve my game.”

He also addressed his performance in the match against Djokovic, attributing some of his difficulties to the cold weather conditions. “It was very, very cold. So my serve speed was not very high… when the sun completely went down, it was difficult for me to get through the court a little bit. It was difficult for me to find, you know, kind of ways to be dominant in the rally, because my serve was neutralized very well by him.”

Despite the setback, Zverev remains confident in his ability to compete with the top players, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “I still see myself as a candidate to compete against the two guys up there.”

Criticism of Barbara Rittner

In addition to Boris Becker, Alexander Zverev also criticized Barbara Rittner, the former German Fed Cup captain, for her comments on his French Open exit. Rittner had questioned Zverev’s explanation that the cold temperatures affected his performance. Zverev responded, “Firstly, I don’t take her opinion seriously, and secondly, she has a wrong opinion in my eyes.” He expressed his lack of understanding as to why Rittner had “so much to say about my tennis career”.

Becker’s Perspective on Zverev’s Mental Game

Prior to Zverev’s response, Boris Becker had spoken about the mental challenges that Zverev faces, suggesting that his mental attitude might be hindering his success. Becker noted that Zverev did not seem as convinced of himself as he was earlier in the year. “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. Can you train something like that?”

Zverev at the Stuttgart Open

Alexander Zverev is currently preparing for the Stuttgart Open, where he is enjoying strong support from fans. He is using the tournament as an opportunity to fine-tune his game and prove his critics wrong. Zverev has a bye in the first round and is expected to play his first match on Thursday.

Past Rumors of Becker Coaching Zverev

In April 2025, rumors circulated about a potential coaching collaboration between Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev. Zverev remained tight-lipped about the rumors, stating that he and Becker have a “great connection” but would not comment further until there was something official to announce. Becker also acknowledged his close relationship with Zverev’s family but kept details about any professional partnership confidential.

Conclusion

Alexander Zverev’s response to Boris Becker’s criticism highlights the complex dynamics between players and commentators in the world of professional tennis. While Zverev defended his performance and coaching setup, he also expressed respect for Becker’s achievements and acknowledged the value of his insights. The exchange underscores the pressure that top players face and the importance of maintaining confidence in their own abilities while remaining open to constructive criticism.