BERLIN — German tennis star Alexander Zverev has publicly responded to criticism from tennis legend Boris Becker, who recently suggested that Zverev should part ways with his father and brother as coaches. The 27-year-old, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, defended his family’s role in his career, calling their support "unwavering" and "invaluable."
Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic, made the comments during an interview with Eurosport, stating: "If I were in Zverev’s shoes, I would consider a coaching change. Sometimes, you need fresh perspectives to reach the next level." Becker emphasized that while family support is crucial, professional coaching could help Zverev secure his first major title.
Zverev’s Fiery Response
Zverev, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, didn’t hold back in his rebuttal. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Hamburg European Open, he said: "I respect Boris as a legend of our sport, but my family has been with me since day one. My dad and my brother know my game better than anyone. Their belief in me has never wavered, even in tough times."
The Olympic gold medalist also pointed to his recent successes, including a semifinal run at the 2024 Australian Open and a title at the Italian Open, as proof that his current setup is working. "Results speak for themselves," he added.
The Family Coaching Dynamic
Zverev’s father, Alexander Zverev Sr., has been his primary coach since childhood, while his older brother, Mischa Zverev (a former top-30 player), has taken on a more prominent role in recent years. The family-centric approach has drawn both praise and skepticism:
- Pros: Deep understanding of Zverev’s game, emotional support, and long-term consistency.
- Cons: Potential lack of tactical innovation and external expertise in high-pressure moments.
Former world No. 1 Mats Wilander weighed in, telling Tennis Channel: "Family coaches can be a double-edged sword. The trust is there, but sometimes an outsider can spot weaknesses that loved ones might overlook."
Becker’s Coaching History
Becker’s comments carry weight given his own coaching experience. He guided Djokovic to six Grand Slam titles between 2014 and 2016, helping the Serbian refine his mental resilience and net play. However, Becker’s tenure wasn’t without controversy, including public disagreements with Djokovic’s team.
Zverev, meanwhile, has experimented with non-family coaches before. In 2017, he briefly worked with Juan Carlos Ferrero, and in 2018, he hired Ivan Lendl—a partnership that lasted only a few months. "Not every dynamic works," Zverev admitted. "For now, I’m happy with my team."
The Road Ahead
With the US Open approaching, Zverev remains focused on breaking his Grand Slam drought. He reached the final of the 2020 US Open but fell to Dominic Thiem in a five-set thriller. Many believe that with his powerful serve and baseline game, he has the tools to win a major—but the question remains whether a coaching shift could be the missing piece.
Becker isn’t the only voice advocating for change. Tennis analyst Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams, tweeted: "Great players often need a coach who pushes them out of their comfort zone. Family can provide love, but not always the tough love required at the highest level."
Conclusion
For now, Zverev seems determined to stick with his family. "I appreciate the advice, but my team is my team," he reiterated. "Boris is entitled to his opinion, but I trust the people who have been with me through every high and low."
The debate highlights a recurring tension in tennis: the balance between loyalty and evolution. As Zverev prepares for the hard-court season, all eyes will be on whether his family-led team can finally guide him to a Grand Slam breakthrough—or if Becker’s advice will prove prophetic.