Zverev Claps Back at Becker Over French Open Slump
Tennis Star Zverev Engages in Intelligently-led Battle Against Boris Becker
Get the latest buzz straight from the court! Alexander Zverev fires back at tennis great Boris Becker and analyst Barbara Rittner following his disappointing exit from the French Open.
Alexander Zverev has give it back to tennis legend Boris Becker and expert Barbara Rittner after taking heat for his French Open performance. The German tennis sensation called out Boris as "one of the clever ones" for critiquing his game when things aren't going well. Zverev also Labeled Rittner's opinion as "wrong" and "not taken seriously."
Following his loss to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, Zverev felt the heat for his "excuses" regarding the match conditions. Becker had opined that Zverev's passive play against top players was disappointing and advised him to reconsider his coaching setup. Rittner questioned Zverev's claims of cold weather affecting his game performance, fearing the German tennis star may be making excuses instead of improving.
Despite the criticism, Zverev remains optimistic, stating, "I still see myself as a contender to compete against those two guys at the top." He reminded critics that he lost to Djokovic, not some benchwarmer.
The father-son duo, Alexander senior and Mischa, have been handling Zverev's coaching and career management for years. However, Becker suggests a fresh approach might be needed for the final push to the top.
Zverev's Stormy Relationship with Becker
Becker and Zverev share a longstanding relationship, but the latest criticism seems to have rubbed Zverev the wrong way. While he maintains respect for Becker, he makes it clear that he doesn't have to agree with everything he has to say.
This isn't the first time Zverev has reacted defensively after facing setbacks. His history of using excuses like bad weather, poor balls, and new racket problems earned him the nickname "king of excuses" from the media.
After taking a few days for golf in Mallorca, Zverev is set to play in the Stuttgart Open, where he'll be facing temperatures similar to those he complained about during the French Open.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa
- Tennis
- Alexander Zverev
- Grand Slam tournaments
- Boris Becker
- French Open
Alexander Zverev, amidst criticism from Boris Becker following his exit from the French Open, has responded by labeling Becker as one of the "clever ones" for commenting on his game during difficult times. He also took issue with analyst Barbara Rittner's opinion, deeming it "wrong" and "not taken seriously." While Zverev remains optimistic about his chances in future grand slam tournaments, Becker has suggested a new coaching approach for a final push towards tennis greatness.
