With Rafael Nadal as example, Boris Becker urges Alexander Zverev to part ways with his dad as coach after French Open heartbreak
Boris Becker Cites Rafael Nadal in Urging Alexander Zverev to Drop Father as Coach After French Open 2025 Loss
Following Alexander Zverev’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2025 quarter-finals on June 4, tennis icon Boris Becker issued a stark recommendation for the world No. 3 to part ways with his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., as his primary coach to break through for a maiden Grand Slam title. On his *Matchball Becker* podcast, reported by Tennis.com and Sportskeeda, Becker pointed to Rafael Nadal’s successful transition from his uncle Toni Nadal to Carlos Moya as a model for Zverev. “Nadal had his uncle as a coach for a long time, but when he felt he needed fresh input to stay at the top, he brought in Moya,” Becker said. “Zverev’s father and brother have done a great job, but it’s not enough for that final step to a Slam.”
Becker argued that Zverev’s familial coaching setup, with his father as the mainstay since his junior days and brother Mischa often assisting, limits his growth. “No top coach will join while his dad is the main voice. Lendl, Ferrero, Ferrer—they came and went because of this dynamic,” Becker noted, referencing Zverev’s brief stints with high-profile coaches. Despite 24 ATP titles, Zverev’s inability to capitalize on big moments, like his 2024 French Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz after leading by two sets, underscores Becker’s point. Djokovic’s tactical use of 35 drop shots, per The Athletic, exposed Zverev’s passive play, prompting Becker to stress the need for “new noises and a new environment.”
Zverev’s 2025 season, including a runner-up finish to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open and early exits in Miami and Indian Wells, highlights persistent challenges. Posts on X, like @TheTennisLetter, echoed Becker’s sentiment, with @TennisNow noting, “Zverev needs a tactical overhaul to match Sinner and Alcaraz.” Earning €415,000 for his quarter-final run, Zverev remains optimistic, telling ATP Tour, “I’m close, and I’ll keep fighting.” However, Becker’s advice, drawing on Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles, suggests that a coaching shake-up could be the key to unlocking Zverev’s elusive major as he heads to the grass season in Halle on June 16.
