Boris Becker Slams Critics for Saying Alexander Zverev Won US Open Due to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Injury Battles: “Absolute Disgrace”

As expected, there have been debates about what would have happened had both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner competed at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. According to some, Alexander Zverev would have failed to reach the final of these Majors had Alcaraz and Sinner been healthy.

The last Grand Slam event of the season wrapped up on Sunday (September 13), with Zverev taking home his second Major of his career in a four-set win over home favorite Ben Shelton. He won his first Major at the French Open after a five-set thriller versus Flavio Cobolli.

Alcaraz skipped both the French Open and Wimbledon due to his wrist injury. Sinner lost in the second round in Paris due to physical setbacks, and went on to defend his crown by defeating Zverev, who, before this season, had never made it past the fourth round of the grass-court Major.

Sinner skipped the US Open due to his knee injury. Alcaraz played here, also the first event he played since injuring his wrist in Barcelona. Shelton ended his title defense in the quarterfinals.

Boris Becker slammed those criticizing Zverev for his wins in both Paris and New York while Sinner and Alcaraz struggled with health issues. The retired former World No.1 said his compatriot deserves respect for his wins.

I thought it was a bit of a shame after that then again, the critics came saying, ‘Yeah, he only won because Alcaraz and Sinner didn’t play, or Alcaraz did play, and Sinner was injured.’ Or ‘he had an easy draw. So first, point one: it’s not his fault if Sinner gets injured before. It’s not his fault if Alcaraz spent four months injured, and thankfully is back again, and in the quarters against Shelton, loses.

Boris Becker said on the Becker Petkovic podcast

Before this season, Zverev had made the finals of three Majors in three different seasons: at the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open. But now, in a single season, he has played three finals. At the Australian Open, he was also on the verge of upsetting eventual champion Alcaraz in the semifinals.

I actually find that an absolute disgrace. Incredible disrespect toward his performance. If that were a one-off fluke, okay. He’s in the final for a third Grand Slam in a row. Actually, he should, in Melbourne – where he served for the match against Alcaraz in the semi – also been in the final. This guy could have been in the final of all four Slams this year.

Boris Becker added

HE DIDN'T REALIZE HE'D WON 🏆

Alexander Zverev exorcises his 2020 demons and defeats Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 to win his first US Open title! pic.twitter.com/f0Cnl2xvgI

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 13, 2026

Greg Rusedski warns everyone to be wary of Alexander Zverev

Greg Rusedski believes Alexander Zverev, after finally getting the monkey off his back by winning the French Open, started playing freely. And this, the former British No.1 believes, makes him a dangerous player.

Now we are seeing a different Zverev. He is not worried about when that first Major will come anymore, and he is playing with freedom. That’s dangerous for everyone else because all the top players say he has the best serve in tennis. 

Greg Rusedski said during his Off Court with Greg podcast

He also believes Zverev is now a part of the Big 3, joining Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Rusedski thinks the German should be considered the best player in the world, but the World No.2 is not of the same opinion.

According to Zverev, if everyone is healthy, Sinner should be considered the best as he has already lifted six Big Titles this season. In the Wimbledon final, the five-time Grand Slam champion registered his 10th consecutive victory over Zverev.

Also read: Juan Carlos Ferrero Announces Return to Coaching in 2027 After Carlos Alcaraz Split