Zverev Fires Back at Becker's Criticism After French Open Exit: "Very, Very Clever"
Tennis Player Zverev in Battle Against "Extremely Intellectual" Boris Becker
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Alexander Zverev puts Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner in their place after criticism following his French Open exit.
German tennis player Alexander Zverev has delivered a stinging response to ex-champion Boris Becker's critique after his disappointing performance at the French Open. Zverev branded Becker, a "very, very clever" individual, accusing the tennis legend of being particularly sharp when things are going well for Zverev but not so wise when his game takes a tumble. Zverev also dismissed comments from analyst Barbara Rittner, calling her view "wrong."
Having failed to secure his first Grand Slam title, losing to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, Zverev remains optimistic. "I still see myself as a contender to challenge those top two guys," the 24th-ranked player announced. He was quick to point out that he hasn't lost to an unranked player like Hans Peter, highlighting the quality of his opponent.
Becker's Hard-Hitting Assessment, Zverev's Defense
Becker criticized Zverev's aggressive playstyle after the loss, advising him to reassess his surroundings, including potentially seeking a new coach. "It seems like he plays the same way against top players and expects a good result." Becker continued, "The father and brother have done an excellent job, but it wasn't good enough for the final step." Zverev, who has been coached for years by his father Alexander senior and managed by his brother Mischa, strongly disagreed with Becker's take.
Zverev's Moody Moments
Long-time acquaintances, Becker and Zverev have enjoyed a cordial relationship prior to Becker's recent criticism. "I've had a lot of contact with Boris before he made that statement," Zverev shared. "We had a great relationship so far. The door is not closed. I still have massive respect for him." Despite this, Zverev has displayed episodes of irritability in the past, particularly after disappointing results.
Rittner's Criticism and Zverev's Excuse-Making
Analyst Barbara Rittner chimed in with criticism after Zverev's French Open exit, criticizing his habit of making excuses, including blaming the conditions for his loss. "He explains it by saying that it was 20 degrees Celsius in the first set, the game was faster, and he could pull his forehand more. But in the second, third, and fourth sets... There was no temperature drop," she argued. Zverev's reputation as the "king of excuses" started gaining traction after he complained about unsuitably slow balls and his newly-acquired racket at previous tournaments[1][2][3].
Post-French Open Recovery, Stuttgart Preparations
Following his departure from the French Open, Zverev jetted off to Mallorca for some golf before gearing up for the Stuttgart Open. Expecting 28-degree temperatures, Zverev, who scored a bye in the first round, will set foot on the court for the first time on Thursday[5].
Source: ntv.de, tsi/dpa
- Alexander Zverev
- Tennis
- Grand Slam tournaments
- Boris Becker
- French Open
[1] https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2023/06/01/why-zverevs-believes-his-french-open-past-helps-him-prepare-for-future/248712[2] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/35735817/alexander-zverev-stung-boris-becker-criticisms-french-open-loss-calls-them-borderline-disrespectful[3] https://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/zverev-responds-to-becker-criticism-after-french-open-exit-83953[5] https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/zverev-focuses-on-stuttgart-after-french-open-disappointment-83947
In the realm of tennis, Alexander Zverev and Boris Becker, a Grand Slam champion, have clashed after Zverev's French Open exit. Becker questioned Zverev's aggressive playstyle and suggested a potential coaching change, to which Zverev strongly objected. Additionally, analyst Barbara Rittner voiced her disapproval of Zverev's habit of making excuses, specifically regarding his performance in grand slam tournaments.
