Boris Becker Criticizes Alexander Zverev’s Coaching Setup After French Open 2025 Exit
Tennis legend Boris Becker delivered a scathing critique of Alexander Zverev’s coaching arrangement 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 Express.co.uk, Becker urged Zverev to part ways with his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., and brother, Mischa Zverev, who have been his primary coaches since his junior days. “His father and brother did an excellent job, but it’s not good enough for the final step,” Becker said, arguing that their presence prevents top-tier coaches from joining. “No new coach will come while his dad is the main voice. Lendl, Ferrero, Ferrer—they came and went because of this.”
Becker drew parallels to Rafael Nadal’s successful shift from his uncle Toni to Carlos Moya, which sustained his Grand Slam dominance. “At some point, you need new ideas, a fresh perspective to push you over the line,” he stated, per Tennis.com. Zverev’s tactical struggles against Djokovic’s 35 drop shots, as noted by The Athletic, highlighted his passive baseline play, with Becker suggesting a bolder approach could unlock his first major. Despite 24 ATP titles, Zverev’s 0-3 record in Grand Slam finals, including a 2024 Roland Garros loss to Carlos Alcaraz, underscores Becker’s point.
Zverev, who earned €415,000 for his quarter-final run, has worked with coaches like Ivan Lendl and Juan Carlos Ferrero but reverted to his father’s guidance. Becker’s comments, echoed by @TheTennisLetter on X, sparked debate, with @TennisNow noting, “Becker’s right—Zverev needs a new voice to compete with Sinner and Alcaraz.” Zverev defended his team, telling ATP Tour, “My dad knows my game best,” but Becker’s critique suggests a coaching overhaul could be crucial as Zverev prepares for the grass season at Halle’s Terra Wortmann Open on June 16.
