Boris Becker says Alexander Zverev did something at Wimbledon which he would have advised against if he was coaching him
Boris Becker has voiced a strong opinion that Alexander Zverev made a decision at Wimbledon 2025 that he would have advised against if he were the German’s coach, highlighting a clash between personal vulnerability and professional strategy. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who considers Zverev his “sporting adopted son,” shared his perspective during a panel at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games and on the Becker Petkovic podcast, reflecting on Zverev’s emotional press conference following his first-round exit on July 2, 2025. Zverev, ranked world No. 3, suffered a grueling 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 loss to Arthur Rinderknech and opened up about his mental health struggles, admitting he felt “empty,” “very alone,” and lacked joy in his tennis and personal life. Becker believes this public disclosure was a misstep, stating, “Ideally, you don’t open up when you’re eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament.”
Becker’s critique stems from a strategic standpoint, suggesting that such vulnerability at a career low could undermine Zverev’s image and mental recovery. He argued that if he were coaching, he would have encouraged Zverev to process these feelings privately with his team—currently led by his father, Alexander Sr., and brother Mischa—rather than airing them to the media. This advice contrasts with Becker’s initial emotional response, where he admitted to crying while watching the press conference and reaching out to check on Zverev, who replied with a thumbs-up. Becker tempered his criticism with optimism, adding, “I am convinced that he will win his Grand Slam and that he can become number one at some point,” showing a belief in Zverev’s potential despite the misjudgment.
The German’s revelation came after a challenging season, marked by a 35-14 record, early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and ongoing scrutiny over his three Grand Slam final losses. His openness about considering therapy for the first time sparked a broader conversation about mental health in tennis, but Becker’s stance reflects a traditional view that players should shield such struggles during competitive downturns. This perspective has divided opinions, with some praising Zverev’s courage and others agreeing with Becker that timing matters in a sport where perception can influence performance and sponsorships.
As Zverev prepares for his return at the Canadian Open on July 27, 2025, Becker’s advice looms large, especially with the German exploring a potential mentorship with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni, which may have faltered post-Wimbledon. The incident has added complexity to Zverev’s narrative, with fans on X debating Becker’s counsel—@tennislegendz calling it “old-school wisdom,” while @zverevfan argues, “Mental health shouldn’t be hidden.” At 12:13 PM WAT on Saturday, July 26, 2025, this exchange underscores a generational shift in tennis, pitting Becker’s protective strategy against Zverev’s raw honesty, setting the stage for his next chapter on the court.
