Boris Becker gives timeframe for Alexander Zverev to win first Grand Slam as he reveals how German can end major wait
Boris Becker has set a clear timeframe for Alexander Zverev to win his first Grand Slam, warning that the next two years will be critical for the German star to break his major drought. In an interview, Becker, himself a six-time Grand Slam champion, emphasized that while Zverev has the talent and physical tools, he must capitalize on his current form and seize a Grand Slam victory soon, or risk missing his prime window of opportunity.
Becker’s Timeframe: The Next Two Years Are Critical
Becker believes that the next two years are crucial for Zverev, who is now 27 years old and in what many consider to be the prime of his career. While Zverev has enjoyed success on the ATP Tour—winning multiple Masters 1000 titles and the prestigious ATP Finals—he has yet to win a major title, something Becker feels he is more than capable of achieving.
“Zverev is in his peak years, and he must use this time to win his first Grand Slam. He cannot wait much longer,” Becker said. “The competition is fierce, and players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are only getting better. If he doesn’t win in the next two years, it will become even more difficult.”
What Zverev Needs to Do
Becker outlined several key areas where Zverev needs to improve in order to finally lift a Grand Slam trophy. First, Becker stressed the importance of mental toughness, especially in the latter stages of tournaments, where Zverev has sometimes faltered. “In big matches, especially in Grand Slam semifinals and finals, you need a certain mentality to handle the pressure. Zverev has shown he can compete with the best, but he needs to believe he can beat them on the biggest stage.”
Becker also highlighted the importance of consistency, noting that Zverev needs to deliver strong performances throughout an entire tournament and not just in isolated matches. “Winning a Grand Slam is about maintaining a high level over two weeks. Zverev needs to keep his intensity and focus throughout the tournament,” Becker added.
Overcoming Setbacks
Zverev’s journey to a Grand Slam title has not been without its challenges. He came close in the 2020 US Open, reaching the final before losing in five sets to Dominic Thiem. Injuries have also played a role, with a serious ankle injury during the 2022 French Open semifinal halting his momentum. Despite these setbacks, Becker believes Zverev has the resilience to bounce back stronger.
“Zverev has had tough breaks, but every great champion has to overcome setbacks. It’s how you respond that defines your career. He needs to use those experiences to fuel his drive for a Grand Slam,” Becker said.
The Rise of Younger Contenders
Becker acknowledged the challenge posed by the younger generation, particularly Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have already emerged as Grand Slam contenders. Alcaraz, who won the 2022 US Open, is seen as a future multi-Slam champion, while Sinner continues to improve his game.
However, Becker believes Zverev still has a unique opportunity to assert himself, especially with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal nearing the twilight of their careers. “Zverev has the ability to beat anyone on his day, including Djokovic and the younger players. He just needs to bring his best game when it matters most,” Becker said.
2025 and Beyond
As Zverev prepares for the 2025 season, he will be looking to make a strong statement at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Becker’s advice is clear: Zverev must approach every Grand Slam with the belief that he can win, and the time to do it is now.
With the clock ticking and the competition intensifying, the pressure is on Zverev to end his long wait for a major title. Becker’s message is simple but urgent: “Alexander needs to believe in himself and take this opportunity. The next two years will determine if he can become a Grand Slam champion.”
