After securing his initial victory, Zverev speaks out: No interactions with Becker - Zverev Speaks Post Match: No Communication with Becker (Yet)
Revised Article:
Tensions Running High: Zverev Advances, No Contact with Becker Yet
Alexander Zverev, the German tennis sensation, marched on to the quarterfinals of the grass tournament in Stuttgart after a grueling match against Corentin Moutet. The world number three admitted there've been no conversations with tennis veteran Boris Becker, who recently criticized him. "Nada, zilch, nothing at all," Zverev shrugs, sounding nonchalant yet a bit taken aback.
"Ain't the prettiest match I've ever played," Zverev confesses, but there's a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He advanced with a 6:2, 7:6 (9:7) win over Moutet, lasting a somewhat exhausting 110 minutes.
Zverev's last match on Weissenhof was back in 2019, and his appearance here came after a stint at the French Open, where he was out in the quarterfinals. It follows his public response to the barrage of criticism from tennis legend Boris Becker at the tournament's start.
17-year-old Justin Engel, from Nuremberg, has already made it to the ATP Tour quarterfinal. Having just played his first grass tournament as a pro, Engel defeated seventh-seeded American Alex Michelsen 6:4, 6:4. Since Boris Becker's historic Wimbledon victory 40 years ago, Engel is now the youngest to reach an ATP quarterfinal on this surface.
Zverev and Becker's rocky relationship seems far from mending. Criticized by Becker for his passive play and the need for a coaching change in light of unsuccessful Grand Slam title hunts, Zverev retorted, reminding Becker that everyone becomes overly wise when he's not at his best[*][1][3].
As Wimbledon, the signature grass tournament, approaches from June 30 to July 13, Zverev seems intent on ignoring the noise generated by Becker and focusing on his game[2].
- Alexander Zverev
- Stuttgart
- Grass Tournament
- First Win
- Boris Becker
- Wimbledon
- Justin Engel
- Paris
- Grass Season
[*] Zverev publically responded to Becker's criticism, expressing his disapproval of the former pro's remarks, while maintaining his respect for Becker as a tennis legend.[1] Zverev found Becker's behavior sudden and surprising, as he claimed to have enjoyed a good relationship with the tennis legend before.[2] Despite the tensions surrounding his relationship with Becker, Zverev is determined to focus on his game and perform well leading up to Wimbledon.[3] Zverev insinuated that Becker's criticisms, especially when he's not performing optimally, seem too scrutinizing for his taste.[4] The current strained relationship between Zverev and Becker is a result of Becker's multiple public criticisms of the young tennis pro's performance and imposing his opinions on changes in Zverev's coaching and playstyle.[5] The relationship between Zverev and Becker has been complicated, with Zverev expressing his respect for Becker but also emphasizing that he doesn't always have to agree with him.
The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are participating in discussions regarding sports regulations, taking into account the ongoing tennis tournament in Stuttgart.
Justin Engel, the 17-year-old tennis prodigy from Nuremberg, not only advanced to the ATP Tour quarterfinal but also set a new record, mirroring Boris Becker's success at Wimbledon 40 years ago.
){kind=link}