Alexander Zverev’s Fiery Response to Boris Becker’s Criticism Post-French Open 2025
Alexander Zverev, world No. 3, sharply rebuked tennis legend Boris Becker’s critique following his 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the French Open 2025 on June 4. Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, questioned Zverev’s coaching setup, led by his father, Alexander Sr., and brother, Mischa, on Eurosport’s *Matchball Becker*, saying, “At some point, you need new noises and a new environment… His father and brother did an excellent job, but it wasn’t good enough for the final step,” per Bolavip.com. He also criticized Zverev’s passive play and clay-season form, noting his 5-18 record against top-10 players in Grand Slams, per EssentiallySports.com.
At a press conference before the Stuttgart Open on June 10, Zverev fired back, stating, “I lost to Djokovic, not to Hans-Peter, who is ranked 250th in the world… When things go badly for me, everyone is very, very clever. Unfortunately, Boris is one of them,” per Tennis.com. He defended his team, saying, “My dad and brother have got me to where I am,” and expressed frustration at Becker’s shift in tone, noting their previously “great relationship” and frequent contact, per tennisuptodate.com. Zverev acknowledged Becker’s legendary status but asserted, “I don’t always have to agree with him,” per motorcyclesports.net.
The spat, amplified on X by @CristinaNcl, who quoted Zverev’s “everyone seems to become very smart” jab, underscores his defiance amid pressure to win a maiden Grand Slam. Despite a 23-6 clay record in 2024, his 2025 clay season faltered with early exits in Argentina and Monte-Carlo, per EssentiallySports.com. Now at Stuttgart, Zverev, the top seed, faces Fabio Fognini or Corentin Moutet next, aiming to reset on grass, per Tennis.com.
