Alexander Zverev has addressed criticism from tennis legends Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner following his quarter-final exit at the French Open. Becker and Rittner suggested Zverev needed a new coaching environment, implying a change from his father and brother was necessary to reach the next level.
Zverev's French Open Disappointment
Zverev's loss to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros dashed his hopes of winning his first Grand Slam title. The German player, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, had not failed to reach at least the semi-final of the event since 2020, heightening the disappointment.
Becker's Analysis and Coaching Suggestions
Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner, and Rittner offered their analysis on German television, focusing on Zverev's approach and coaching situation. Becker commented, "At some point you need new noises and a new environment... His father and brother did an excellent job, but it wasn’t good enough for the final step."
Zverev's Response in Stuttgart
Returning to action at the Stuttgart Open, Zverev addressed Becker and Rittner's comments directly. He stated, "When things are going well for me, I always do everything right. When things are going badly for me, everyone else is very, very clever."
Focus on the Grass Court Season
Zverev is using the Stuttgart Open to prepare for Wimbledon. The tournament marks the start of the German grass-court season and provides an opportunity to adjust from clay to grass. Other players like Ben Shelton are also using the tournament to build momentum.
- Zverev aims to improve his performance on grass.
- Becker's comments spark debate within the tennis community.
- Stuttgart Open serves as a key preparation event for Wimbledon.