Boris Becker Delivers Stark Warning to Alexander Zverev After French Open 2025 Defeat
Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, issued a blunt reality check to Alexander Zverev following his 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 loss to Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2025 quarter-finals on June 4. On his *Matchball Becker* podcast, reported by Tennis.com, Becker criticized Zverev’s stagnant approach against elite players, stating, “Sascha plays the same predictable game against the top guys, hoping they’ll falter. That works against the top 20, but not against Djokovic, Sinner, or Alcaraz.” Becker pinpointed Zverev’s passive baseline play, exposed by Djokovic’s 35 drop shots, as a critical weakness, with The Athletic noting 30 of those shots won points outright.
Becker’s solution was unequivocal: Zverev must replace his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., and brother, Mischa Zverev, who have coached him since his junior days, to break through for a first Grand Slam title. “His father and brother got him this far, but it’s not enough for the final hurdle,” Becker said, per Eurosport. He cited Rafael Nadal’s shift from uncle Toni to Carlos Moya as a model, adding, “Top coaches like Lendl or Ferrero couldn’t fully integrate because his dad remains the main voice.” Zverev’s brief stints with Ivan Lendl and Juan Carlos Ferrero ended with him reverting to his family, limiting fresh tactical input.
Despite 24 ATP titles and a 2024 ATP Finals win, Zverev’s 0-3 record in Grand Slam finals (2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, 2025 Australian Open) underscores Becker’s critique. Posts on X, like @TennisNow, amplified the call for change, stating, “Becker’s spot on—Zverev needs a new perspective to match Sinner’s intensity.” Zverev, who earned €415,000 for his quarter-final run, defended his team, telling Sport1, “My dad knows my game best,” but Becker’s advice suggests a coaching overhaul is crucial. As Zverev prepares for Wimbledon 2025, starting June 30, a bold change could be the key to ending his major drought.
