Boris Becker attacks Alexander Zverev; the response is scathing: sparks fly
An open clash has erupted between Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev. After being eliminated from the tournament in Paris, the world No. 1 has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time due to statements made by his illustrious compatriot. Despite winning two Grand Slam titles in 2026 and topping the ATP rankings, the 29-year-old from Hamburg continues to face criticism, especially for his relationship with the German public.
The controversy was sparked by Becker, who, in an interview with *Der Spiegel*, questioned his compatriot’s attitude toward journalists: “I often find that Zverev is rather brusque and curt in interviews in German—he isn’t exactly friendly with journalists. In German interviews, he tends to be rather terse and concise, and he isn’t particularly cordial even with reporters. When he speaks in English, he’s much more likable; he has charm, a sense of humor, and knows how to laugh at himself.”
The former Wimbledon champion then urged Zverev to show more of his human side, emphasizing how crucial fan support can be during the most critical moments of matches: “In his private life, I’ve gotten to know a charming, fun-loving Sascha. I think he should open up more and let people get to know him. If he wants to be more respected and loved—especially in his own country—he has to make an effort. As a player, you need the crowd on your side. In the fifth set, you want people to cheer for you and support you—not your opponent. And that happens when they appreciate you and want you to win. In his last three Grand Slam finals, I got the feeling that most of the crowd was rooting for his opponent. With Sascha, it doesn’t always seem like he’s seeking that kind of support.”
But the most controversial part of his remarks concerned the tennis player’s family background and his stance on the war in Ukraine. “His parents are Russian, and he speaks Russian with his team during matches. Furthermore, he doesn’t comment publicly on the war in Ukraine. It’s something I can personally understand, but it clearly doesn’t help him win over the German public,” Becker added.
These remarks did not sit well with Zverev, who is already grappling with intense media pressure. The world No. 1 dismissed the former champion’s remarks with a reply as brief as it was scathing: “He’s talking a lot of nonsense, as usual.” A response that confirms the tension between two of the biggest names in German tennis.
