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Boris Becker exclusively in the podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball: That’s why colleagues’ criticism of Alexander Zverev is wrong

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Alexander Zverev has already been traded as the upcoming number one. If the man from Hamburg had won the Australian Open in January, he would have been at the top of the world rankings.
As you know, things turned out differently. Instead of great successes, disappointments paved Zverev’s path. Quarter-finals in Melbourne, final failure in Montpellier, freak out and disqualification in Acapulco, weak performances in the Masters competitions in Indian Wells and Miami.

“Sascha was a week away from becoming number one. Now he’s somewhere else. I think it was a step backwards emotionally for him. He felt it,” explains Eurosport expert Boris Beckerwho in September 1991 was the last German professional to date to take first place in the ATP ranking.

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In addition to the poor results, Becker also sees the scandal in Acapulco as a reason why the 24-year-old has still not found his rhythm.

“Of course that throws you all the way back. Until you have inner peace and form again – that takes time,” said the six-time Grand Slam tournament winner Eurosport Podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball.

Becker criticizes Zverev’s “teammates”

Zverev hit referee Alessandro Germani’s chair several times in Acapulco after the round of 16 defeat in doubles. The fact that there was “only” a fine and no suspension in addition to the disqualification in Acapulco caused heated controversy in the scene.

Do we need bans after stars freak out? That’s what Becker says

Becker considers Zverev’s misconduct to be a mistake. However, the 54-year-old is annoyed that competitors such as Rafael Nadal or Casper Ruud felt called upon to publicly discipline the German. “Heavy fines were imposed, but for some of these players it doesn’t seem to matter,” emphasized the Norwegian shooting star in the Eurosport interview, referring to the misconduct of Daniil Medvedev or Nick Kyrgios in addition to Zverev.

“What I don’t like at all is when other players criticize it. Everyone really has to stay with themselves and look in the mirror. We’re not all perfect, everyone freaks out and you just don’t do that,” complained Becker. From his point of view, “tennis players are also teammates” and “you really shouldn’t comment publicly on the misconduct of others. I think that’s wrong.”

Becker on Zverev: “The pressure is a bit off”

Zverev now has the big project in front of his chest to get back on track in the face of weak form and public criticism. A task that is absolutely feasible, as Becker explains. “The good thing is that he also feels very comfortable on clay and now has every chance. The pressure is off a bit. I think the expectations of him and the tennis experts are not that he is one of the favorites for the next big tournament win.” This starting position can help Zverev to constantly build up his form.

Because: The man from Hamburg is still number three in the rankings, and he is high in the upcoming Masters and the French Open in May. Before Zverev is not only physical, but also mental work. “Sascha is old enough, he’s smart enough, he’s talented enough. You go through such valleys in sport. It’s not always better, higher and further. Sometimes you have a crisis and take a step back,” explains Becker. It is now important “to recognize this, to deal honestly with oneself and also to improve or change the environment”.

Becker: Zverev was missing father in difficult phases

Zverev has already taken the first steps in this regard. In Miami he worked with two-time Roland Garros champion Sergi Bruguera. “He’ll do him good on sand,” Becker praises the move to try new things in the coaching position. Another important factor is the health of father Alexander Zverev senior, who trained his son from childhood and made him a top player. “How is he? Is he back? I think he missed him a bit in those moments of crisis at the beginning of the year,” emphasizes Becker. In the Zverev camp, “a homogeneous team must grow together again. Sascha will also benefit from that.”

Zverev is aiming for a coup: “The only Masters on clay that I’m still missing”

Zverev has the first opportunity to give the year a positive turn on the red surface in his adopted home of Monaco, where he starts the tournament at the Masters in the Monte-Carlo Country Club against Federico Delbonis. It’s the only one of the three clay-court Masters he has yet to win.

First of all, however, it’s about “working out and getting back into shape,” warns Becker. If that succeeds, Germany’s tennis legend even trusts his successor with the really big hit. If Zverev reaches his “top form” on clay, he could “maybe even win Paris”.

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