The 2025 French Open has been a crucible for Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, whose quest for a maiden Grand Slam title was halted in a crushing quarterfinal defeat to Novak Djokovic on June 4. The 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 loss to the 24-time Grand Slam champion exposed familiar frailties in Zverev’s game, prompting tennis legend Boris Becker to issue a blistering reality check. Speaking with characteristic candor, Becker urged Zverev to overhaul his coaching team, specifically calling for a bold break from his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., and brother, Mischa, to unlock his potential and finally claim a major title. As Zverev navigates this pivotal moment in his career, Becker’s words resonate as both a warning and a roadmap for redemption on the sport’s biggest stages.
Zverev’s journey at Roland Garros started with promise, as he cruised through early rounds, dropping just one set against Jesper de Jong and benefiting from Tallon Griekspoor’s second-set retirement in the fourth round. However, against Djokovic, the 28-year-old German faltered after a gritty first-set victory, unable to sustain his momentum as the Serb’s experience and precision took over. “Man hat den Eindruck, dass er gegen die Topspieler im selben Trott spielt und darauf hofft, dass das Ergebnis gut wird,” Becker observed, critiquing Zverev’s predictable approach against elite opponents. “Das reicht gegen die Spieler jenseits der Top Ten, aber gegen die oberen Fünf musst du dich mal weiterentwickeln.” This blunt assessment highlights Zverev’s struggle to adapt against players like Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, who have consistently outmaneuvered him in high-stakes matches.
Becker’s solution is radical yet rooted in precedent. He pointed to Rafael Nadal’s decision to part ways with his uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, as a model for Zverev to emulate. “Der Vater und der Bruder haben das hervorragend gemacht, aber für den letzten Schritt war das noch nicht gut genug,” Becker said, acknowledging the foundational role of Zverev’s family but insisting that their influence has reached its limit. Zverev has previously worked with celebrated coaches like Ivan Lendl, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and David Ferrer, but his father’s constant presence has often overshadowed these partnerships. “Und ich glaube, in dieser Konstellation wird kein Neuer kommen,” Becker warned, suggesting that top-tier coaches are unlikely to join a setup where they cannot take full control. His advice is clear: Zverev must make a “klaren Schnitt” and seek fresh perspectives to break through the Grand Slam barrier.
The German star’s 2025 season has been a tale of near-misses and mounting frustration. After reaching the Australian Open final in January, where he fell to Sinner, Zverev posted a 6-5 record in subsequent tournaments, failing to advance beyond the quarterfinals in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, and Hamburg. Becker, speaking on his podcast with Andrea Petkovic, pinpointed a mental block as the root of Zverev’s woes. “He is not as convinced of himself at the moment as he was in Melbourne or as he was at the end of last year,” he noted, emphasizing that Zverev lacks the “killer instinct” displayed by legends like Djokovic, Nadal, and Roger Federer. This mental fragility was evident in Paris, where Zverev’s inability to seize crucial moments allowed Djokovic to dominate the latter sets.
Becker’s critique is not new; he has long been a vocal supporter and critic of his compatriot. In 2023, after Zverev’s devastating ankle injury at Roland Garros, Becker praised his resilience but warned that the sport had evolved during his absence, with younger players like Alcaraz and Sinner raising the bar. “Dois-je changer ou adapter mon jeu?” Becker asked rhetorically, urging Zverev to analyze why the new generation outperforms him. Speculation about Becker himself joining Zverev’s team has swirled, especially after he was spotted watching Zverev practice in Monte Carlo earlier this year. “Boris and I have a great connection. If anything happens, we’ll let you know,” Zverev said coyly, neither confirming nor denying the possibility. However, Becker’s travel restrictions, stemming from a 2022 criminal conviction, complicate any potential collaboration, as noted by commentator Mark Petchey.
Zverev’s career is at a crossroads. With 22 titles, including two ATP Finals and an Olympic gold, his talent is undeniable, yet the elusive Grand Slam remains out of reach. “Die Frage ist: Was will Sascha? Ist er zufrieden damit, die Nummer zwei der Welt zu sein?” Becker challenged, framing the decision as a matter of ambition. As Zverev prepares for the grass season, the tennis world watches to see if he will heed Becker’s call for change or continue in the same rut, hoping for a different outcome. With Alcaraz and Sinner dominating the French Open final, Zverev’s window to join the elite is narrowing, making Becker’s advice a clarion call for a career-defining transformation.
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