Alexander Zverev, the towering German tennis star and world No. 2, has the tennis world abuzz once again—not just for his powerful baseline game, but for a tantalizing hint of a new chapter in his career. As the Monte Carlo Masters looms on the horizon, kicking off this Sunday, a viral video of Zverev training under the watchful eye of German legend Boris Becker has set tongues wagging. The clip, captured on the eve of the prestigious clay-court event, shows Becker closely observing Zverev’s practice session, sparking speculation about a potential coaching partnership. When pressed about the rumors after the footage went viral, Zverev played it coy, offering a response that only fanned the flames of intrigue. “Boris and I have a great connection,” he said with a knowing smile. “If anything happens, we’ll let you know… In the meantime, you can speculate and make a story out of it.”
The Monte Carlo Masters, a jewel in the ATP Masters 1000 crown, is no stranger to drama, and this year’s edition promises to deliver both on and off the court. For Zverev, it’s a chance to kick off the clay season with a bang after a rocky start to 2025. The 27-year-old has had a rollercoaster ride since reaching the Australian Open final in January, where he fell to Jannik Sinner in a gripping showdown. Since then, his form has wavered—early exits in Indian Wells and a fourth-round loss to Arthur Fils in Miami have left fans and pundits questioning his consistency. Yet, Monte Carlo, where he resides and trains, feels like home turf. A strong showing here could silence the doubters and set the tone for a redemption arc on the red dirt, especially with the French Open—where he’s twice been a finalist—on the horizon.
Enter Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion whose coaching pedigree is as storied as his playing career. Becker’s tenure with Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016 yielded six major titles and a Career Grand Slam, a testament to his ability to elevate elite talent. More recently, he worked with Holger Rune, though that partnership ended abruptly in February due to scheduling conflicts tied to Becker’s personal commitments and travel restrictions following a 2022 legal ordeal. Now, seeing him courtside with Zverev has reignited hopes of a dream German duo. The two share a long history—Becker has known Zverev since he was a child, even mentoring him during Davis Cup days. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Boris,” Zverev has said in the past, hinting at the trust that could underpin a collaboration.
But Zverev wasn’t ready to confirm anything just yet. During a chat with reporters ahead of his Monte Carlo opener against either Matteo Berrettini or a qualifier, he kept his cards close to his chest. “I’m not saying anything about it,” he teased, leaving room for imagination. Currently coached by his father, Alexander Sr., Zverev has a tight-knit team that’s guided him to two Masters 1000 titles in 2024—Rome and Paris—and a career-high ranking. Yet, the elusive Grand Slam trophy remains his white whale, and Becker’s expertise could be the missing piece. The German has flirted with high-profile coaches before—stints with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Ivan Lendl among them—but always returned to the family fold. Could Becker, with his blend of tactical acumen and mental toughness, be the game-changer?
The viral video itself was a snapshot of intensity: Zverev hammering forehands, Becker nodding approvingly from the sidelines. It’s a scene that’s fueled endless chatter among fans and analysts. Some see it as a natural fit—two German icons uniting to chase glory. Others wonder if Becker’s limited availability, a sticking point in his split with Rune, could complicate things. Zverev has been clear about what he wants from a coach: “If you bring in someone like Boris, it’s to win the big tournaments,” he’s said before. “The coach has to be there at the big tournaments.” With Becker’s travel ban to countries like the UK and US still a question mark, that condition looms large.
As Zverev prepares to face a stacked field in Monte Carlo—where Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas also headline—the Becker buzz adds an extra layer of intrigue. A deep run here could bolster his clay credentials and quiet the noise about his post-Melbourne slump. Last year, he bowed out in the third round to Tsitsipas, the eventual champion, but his 2024 Rome triumph proves he’s got the goods on this surface. Whether Becker is officially in his corner or just a supportive spectator, Zverev’s focus remains razor-sharp. “I love playing in Monte Carlo,” he’s said, a sentiment that echoes his comfort on these courts.
For now, the tennis world waits with bated breath. Will Zverev and Becker forge a partnership to rival the great player-coach tandems of the past? Or is this just a fleeting moment of camaraderie? As the clay dust settles in Monaco, one thing is clear: Zverev’s journey—on the court and behind the scenes—is must-watch drama, and every swing of his racquet could write the next headline.