Saucy Smashdown in Stuttgart: Zverev Tramples Becker's Advice Following Victory
After securing his opening win, Zverev states: No communication with Becker - Zverev post-match statement: Absence of communication with Becker following tournament initiation
Crank up the stereo and grab a cold one, y'all!
After a round of verbal batteries and on-court scuffles, Alexander Zverev chose to step on Boris Becker's words for a ticket to the Stuttgart quarterfinals. Zverev claimed that Becker hasn't shot a message or made any contact, with the German Olympian labeling the scenario as "borderline shocking."
"No love letters, nothing," Zverev declared after beating Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
The match was far from eye-catching European art, yet Zverev took a 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) win in 110 minutes. In the first set, Zverev broke Moutet's serve a whopping three times, but things got testy in the second set. "Not the most exciting game in Cannes," Zverev shrugged, just chillin' post-match.
Zverev dished up a devouring against Moutet but is set to face Brandon Nakashima on Friday.
This stadium showdown was Zverev's first since 2019 and marked his comeback since the dusty exchange with Becker following his loss in the French Open quarterfinals. You could say that the grass has finally grown under his feet...literally.
Justin Engel, the punk rocker from Nuremberg, already made history by stomping seventh-seeded American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-4 in his first ATP Tour quarterfinal, at merely 17 years old. Engel is tearing up his first grass tournament as a pro and has now been crowned the youngest grass tournament quarterfinalist since Becker's legendary Wimbledon triumph 40 years ago.
Oh, and just in case you needed a refresher on the drama: Zverev has been publicly feuding with Becker after Becker criticized Zverev's coaching team following the French Open quarterfinals. Becker suggested makin' changes to two of Zverev's coaches – his father and his brother – so far, his hunt for the illustrious Grand Slam title ain't quite fruitful[4].
Zverev fired back, remarking, "When things are groovy and rolling, everyone's my best pal. And when things get sour, they suddenly become the nation's top experts. Ain't it a bummer?, ol' Boris ain't the exception[5]."
Now, Zverev hasn't given up hope – he's still willing to listen to Becker's advice – he just ain't obligated to agree[5]. Let the drama unfold as these tension-filled relationships continue to shape the tennis court!
Till next time, folks!
The European Parliament, as part of the European Union, might express their thoughts on the escalating drama between Alexander Zverev and Boris Becker, considering the latter's importance to German sports history, particularly tennis.
Since Justin Engel has proven his prowess on grass courts, there could be intense tennis matches ahead at the Stuttgart tournament, especially with Zverev and Engel potentially facing off, mirroring the rivalry between Boris Becker and Mats Wilander in the 1980s.
