Alexander Zverev Hits Back at Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner Criticism
World No 3 Alexander Zverev has responded to criticism from German tennis pundits Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner following his French Open exit, according to a report by Tennis365. Zverev’s hopes of securing his first Grand Slam title were dashed by Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros, with the Serbian defeating the German 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 last week.
It was the first time since 2020 that Zverev had failed to reach at least the semi-final of the event, and extended his wait for an elusive major. The 28-year-old’s career was put under the microscope on German TV following his defeat, with tennis icon Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner, and Billie Jean King Cup captain Rittner among those sharing their thoughts. As reported by Tennis365, Becker and Rittner were critical of Zverev’s approach to the match, but a large focus was on the German’s coaching situation.
Both former pros suggested that he needed to move away from his father, Alexander Sr, and brother Mischa. “At some point you need new noises and a new environment. It’s the same in football, as a football coach you don’t normally stay with a club for 10 years,” commented Becker, as quoted by Tennis365. “He [Zverev] is the one who decides. He is the chairman of the board, the CEO. He decides what Team Zverev will look like in the future. His father and brother did an excellent job, but it wasn’t good enough for the final step.”
Following a short break, the world No 3 returns to action at the Stuttgart Open this week, looking to ramp up his grass-court preparations ahead of Wimbledon. And, asked about both Becker and Rittner’s comments, the three-time major finalist was quick to counter their claims. Tennis365 reports that Zverev hit back at Becker and Rittner, saying: “When things are going well for me, I always do everything right. When things are going badly for me, everyone else is very, very clever. Unfortunately, Boris is one of them, and so is Barbara Rittner.”
The German tennis star also questioned Rittner’s involvement in his career, stating: “I don’t know why she [Rittner] suddenly has so much to say about my tennis career. To be honest, I don’t take her opinion seriously. Firstly, because of that, and secondly, because I think she’s wrong.” Zverev also acknowledged that he had a great relationship with Becker before the criticism, adding: “I lost to Djokovic. Maybe it wasn’t my best match, but I thought he played very well – it was just difficult. And to be honest, I talked to Boris a lot, had a lot of contact with him before he made those statements. Before this crew had all that to say, I had a great relationship with him. I don’t know why it all has to be like this now.”
Despite disagreeing with Becker’s comments, Zverev insisted that he would always be willing to talk to the world No 1 to discuss their issues. He added: “I will always talk to him [Becker] if he wants to talk to me. In every relationship, whether it’s with a partner or someone else, there are issues to argue about. This is perhaps one of ours at the moment. I still have enormous respect for him. He is an absolute legend, not only in sport, but in Germany in general, and also worldwide. I will always listen to what he has to say. But I don’t always have to agree with him.”
According to Tennis365, Zverev will face Corentin Moutet in his opening match at the Stuttgart Open on Thursday, as he looks to regain his form ahead of Wimbledon. The world No 3 will be eager to prove his doubters wrong and secure a strong run on the grass courts. With his talent and determination, Zverev is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks.
In related news, the ATP Tour is heating up with exciting matches and storylines. As reported by Tennis365, Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open party location was recently revealed, and coach gave his reaction. Additionally, statistics have confirmed that Jannik Sinner’s backhand is better than all of his tennis rivals. With the grass-court season underway, fans can expect thrilling matches and dramatic plot twists in the world of tennis.
The ranking points Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, Zverev & ATP top-10 stars will defend on grass will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
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