LONDON — Tennis legend Boris Becker has sparked controversy by suggesting that Alexander Zverev made a "mistake" by publicly discussing his mental health struggles. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who has been a mentor to Zverev, argued that the German star should have kept his challenges private to avoid showing vulnerability to opponents.
Becker's comments came during an interview with Eurosport, where he analyzed Zverev's recent performances. The 26-year-old Zverev had opened up about battling depression and anxiety following his grueling ankle injury at the 2022 French Open, which sidelined him for seven months. "In elite sports, you don't give your opponent any weaknesses," Becker stated bluntly.
Becker's Controversial Stance on Mental Health in Tennis
The former world No. 1 doubled down on his position, emphasizing the psychological warfare inherent in professional tennis: "When you step onto the court, it's a gladiator's arena. If your opponent knows you've been struggling mentally, they'll use it against you. That's just the reality of competition at this level."
Becker's perspective clashes with the growing movement in tennis promoting mental health awareness. Several top players, including Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, have been vocal about their struggles, helping reduce stigma. However, Becker maintains that tennis remains a "different beast" compared to team sports where players can rely on teammates during difficult periods.
Zverev's Candid Admissions
Zverev had been remarkably transparent about his challenges during interviews in 2023, telling Der Spiegel: "There were days I couldn't get out of bed. The injury took everything from me - my ranking, my confidence, even my identity as an athlete."
The Olympic gold medalist detailed how the recovery process affected him:
- Struggled with motivation during rehabilitation
- Experienced anxiety about whether he'd regain his top form
- Felt isolated from the tour during his extended absence
Mixed Reactions From the Tennis World
Becker's comments have drawn sharp criticism from mental health advocates. Dr. Claudia Reardon, a sports psychiatrist, countered: "This outdated mentality prevents athletes from seeking help. We have overwhelming evidence that addressing mental health improves performance longevity. Zverev showed tremendous courage in speaking out."
However, some veterans sided with Becker. Former player Mary Carillo noted: "While I admire Zverev's honesty, Boris isn't wrong about the competitive implications. Tennis history is filled with players who exploited opponents' doubts - from McEnroe to Djokovic."
The Performance Debate
Statistics show Zverev's form dipped after his revelations. In the six months following his interviews:
- Win percentage dropped from 78% to 65%
- Lost 4 matches after holding match points
- Suffered unexpected early exits at Montreal and Cincinnati Masters
Becker pointed to these numbers as evidence: "The numbers don't lie. When players smell blood, they become more dangerous opponents. That's why champions like Federer and Nadal always kept their personal battles private."
The Changing Landscape of Tennis
Despite Becker's stance, tennis organizations have increasingly prioritized mental health. The ATP now provides:
- 24/7 confidential counseling services
- Mandatory mental health first aid training for coaches
- Designated quiet rooms at major tournaments
Zverev himself hasn't responded to Becker's comments, but his coach Ivan Lendl offered: "Every athlete must find their own path. What works for Boris' generation might not work today. The important thing is that players get the support they need."
As the debate continues, the tennis world finds itself at a crossroads between traditional competitive mentality and modern understanding of athlete wellbeing. With rising stars like Coco Gauff openly discussing mental health, Becker's comments may represent a fading perspective in the sport's evolution.