Zverev Thrushes Moutet, Shuns Becker: No Contact Amid Ongoing Feud
Zverev following win: No communication with Becker (since victory) - Following the fight's commencement, Zverev declares no engagement with Becker.
Whipped verbally, then duking it out on the grass: Alexander Zverev scorched into the quarterfinals at the Stuttgart grass tournament. The top German player revealed that there's been no exchange of words with tennis icon Boris Becker [1]. "He ain't hit me up. No contact, nada," Zverev chuckled following his win against Frenchman Corentin Moutet. "Mighty peculiar" was his verdict - and another zinger at Becker.
"Not the most picturesque match"
Following a first-round bye, Zverev crushed Moutet 6:2, 7:6 (9:7) in 110 grueling minutes. The world number three broke his rival's serve thrice in the first set, but it was a tough second set. "Ain't the prettiest match in the world," Zverev smirked, seeming content after the duel. On Friday, he battles American Brandon Nakashima.
Back on the Weissenhof since '19
The clash marked Zverev's first match in Stuttgart since '19 and his first since his French Open quarterfinal loss in Paris. And his first after hitting back at Becker's criticism earlier in the week.
Youngster Engel advances
Before Zverev, youngster Justin Engel stormed his way into his first ATP Tour quarterfinal. The 17-year-old from Nuremberg vanquished seventh-seeded American Alex Michelsen 6:4, 6:4. Engel is making his debut on the grass as a pro. Since Becker's Wimbledon triumph 40 years ago, he is now the youngest player to reach an ATP quarterfinal on this surface. Up next for the world number 281, who gained a wildcard, is Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Zverev squares up
Zverev, preparing for Wimbledon [4], has been under fire from former pros Becker and Barbara Rittner following his quarterfinal loss to Djokovic at the French Open. Becker accused him of passivity and recommended a coaching change [2][3]. Zverev shot back with a verbal barrage. "I reckon when things are goin' great for me, I'm always doin' things right. And when things ain't goin' so hot, everyone suddenly becomes a genius. Shamefully, Becker's one of 'em," the Hamburg native grumbled upon his arrival in Stuttgart. Rittner also joins the cadre of critics, whose views he "don't put much stock in."
[1] History of their Relationship:Zverev and Becker have traversed a complex, shifting relationship over the years. Becker, a tennis god, often been perceived as a guiding force and mentor in German tennis. Initially, they've maintained a cooperative bond, with Becker occasionally proffering advice and support. However, their recent interactions have been fraught with turmoil.
[2] Enrichment Data:The current feud between Alexander Zverev and Boris Becker started after Zverev's loss to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2025. Becker suggested that Zverev should remove his father and brother from his coaching team, implying they hinder his progress as a player[2][3]. This harsh criticism spurred a strong response from Zverev, who expressed dismay and perplexity over Becker's sudden change in attitude[2][3]. Zverev questioned Becker's comprehension of his coaching setup and personal circumstances, suggesting that Becker might not have the full story[3]. Zverev also recalled their previously amicable relationship and offered to converse with Becker if he wished to share advice[4]. Nevertheless, the animosity between them persists, with the tennis world closely monitoring the escalating feud[2][3]. The debate ignited by Becker's comments has sparked conversations about the role of family members in coaching relationships, stirring up considerable debate and emotion within the tennis community[2][3].
- Despite the ongoing feud, Alexander Zverev expressed there has been no contact with tennis icon Boris Becker, despite the latter's criticism of his performance at the French Open.
- In the meantime, youngster Justin Engel, inspired by tennis legends like Becker, advanced to his first ATP Tour quarterfinal on grass, just as Becker did 40 years ago, making his own mark in tennis history.
