Zverev Slammed for Passive Play: Becker Calls Out "Disrespectful" Djokovic Tactics
Instigating a Potential Unsportsmanlike Maneuver: Becker Contemplates Stomach Shot Against Djokovic's Integrity
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Alexander Zverev starts strong against Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarterfinals, but falters after a barrage of stop balls, struggling to counter the strategic play.
Tennis legend Boris Becker has lashed out at Alexander Zverev for his passive strategy after his French Open quarterfinal loss. In particular, Becker was taken aback by Zverev's meek response to Djokovic'swhopping 35 stop balls, as reported by official statistics.
"It's disrespectful," Becker stated on Eurosport. "If I had squared off against a player employing a fifth stop ball, I'd've hit a shot so hard it'd've left 'em gasping," Becker said, voicing his frustration. "I'd've played the ball differently - most players would've too."
Becker Pushes for More Aggression
During the game, Djokovic frequently dangled the carrot of stop balls, luring Zverev towards the net. The 28-year-old struggled to navigate this tactic and couldn't break through against Djokovic. "At one point, I felt clueless as to how to pull off a point from the baseline against him," Zverev admitted after his latest failed shot at a Grand Slam title. "He seemed to have a reply for every move I made," Zverev acknowledged, crediting Djokovic's performance.
"You've gotta take the points from marquee players like Djokovic, or even Sinner and Alcaraz," Becker summed up Zverev's French Open performance bluntly. "He needed to be the predator, and he didn't do that."
"The quarterfinals here should've been compulsory; he aimed for the semifinals but fell short," Becker stated. "Maybe he'll need to reexamine why his entire clay-court season didn't pan out as desired," the 57-year-old suggested.
Zverev needed to have open discussions with his family about his performance during the clay court season and consider what went wrong, according to Becker. His future in tennis remained up in the air, with the defending finalistSounding disgusted at the thought of returning to the court.
"I'm taking up golf. To be honest, I can't stand tennis right now," Zverev declared. The next Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon, is set to commence in three and a half weeks.
[1] Becker believes Zverev needs to adopt a more aggressive approach to succeed.[2] Zverev struggled to counter Djokovic's stop ball strategy.[3] Becker has called for changes to Zverev's coaching team in an effort to improve his performance.[4] Zverev himself expressed confusion about his clay-court season results.[5] Reaching the quarterfinals is not enough for Becker, Zverev should aim higher to reach the top.
Source: ntv.de, ter/dpa
[1] "Becker believes that for Zverev to succeed, he needs to adopt a more aggressive approach in his game, particularly when facing top players like Djokovic."
[2] "Zverev struggled to counter Djokovic's stop ball strategy during their French Open quarterfinal match."
