The relationship between Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev is noticeably broken. Germany’s best tennis player was visibly annoyed by the three-time Wimbledon winner’s statements after his defeat at the ATP finals in Turin. In the meantime, he renewed his offer: He just wanted to help.
Boris Becker does not want to overestimate Alexander Zverev’s recent PK statements. “If I were to take everything seriously that I said after the game on the PK…” said the 57-year-old in the run-up to the semi-finals of the ATP finals between Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime on “Sky” when he was asked about his dispute with the world number three.
After his two-set defeat against the Canadian Auger-Aliassime, the Hamburg player was confronted with statements from Becker at the press conference that his elimination in Turin also had to do with mental problems. Zverev replied, visibly annoyed: “If that’s his opinion… I honestly don’t feel like hearing his comments anymore.”
Becker, on the other hand, took it calmly: “Sascha was highly emotional and the journalist’s question was provocative. He left out everything before and after. I’m an athlete, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve already helped Sascha, I want to help him.”
“He should concentrate on his games”
The 57-year-old had repeatedly criticized Germany’s number one for his style of play in recent months. In October, Zverev finally publicly complained about Becker’s critical statements and accused him of just “looking for attention.”
Before the match between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, Becker defended himself and referred to his work as a TV expert. “I just say, ‘he’s making a double mistake’ when he makes one. That’s my job – I have to do my job professionally,” said the former number one in the world rankings.
It’s true that the relationship with Zverev is “a little cooler” at the moment, “but that’s okay. He should concentrate on his games.” He is generally available for advice.