German tennis legend Boris Becker is enthusiastic about Alexander Zverev’s latest development. He also believes that the current world number three will be able to make a big splash at one of the three remaining Grand Slam tournaments this year.
In a joint podcast with former professional player Andrea Petkovic, Boris Becker particularly praised the world number three’s new style of play and made it clear: “My heart warms: He plays offensively. He stands in the field. He goes to the net. He sometimes plays serve and volley. So a Sascha Zverev, with this style of play and attitude, can soon win a Grand Slam tournament. I’m convinced!”
Zverev recently had a strong phase in the USA and reached the semi-finals of the Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Although it was the final stop there against eventual winner Jannik Sinner, the 28-year-old showed exactly the qualities that inspire Becker so much against the world number two.
Zverev appears much more offensive than in the past. Instead of relying on his usual defensive baseline game, he often looks for the way forward, attacks consistently with his forehand and takes control of the rallies.
Becker “so happy” about Zvere’s new style of play
For Becker, this change is anything but self-evident. On the contrary: “Courageous, because he’s now 29. The first half of his career is over. Most people then retire,” explained the six-time Grand Slam winner, paying his respects to the Hamburg native.
Becker was impressed by Zverev’s decision to correct his playing style to this extent: “He’s trying something new again. And I’m so glad that he’s realized it now.”
For Becker it is therefore clear that the big title is only a matter of time. With his new style of play, Zverev has found the crucial piece of the puzzle to finally reach the top. Or as Becker puts it clearly: It is just a “matter of time” until Zverev “wins a really big tournament.”
