Alexander Zverev Fires Back at Boris Becker for His Criticism Following His Quarter-Finals Loss at Roland Garros

Alexander Zverev's search for a Grand Slam title continues after losing in the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros to Novak Djokovic.

Alexander Zverev Fires Back at Boris Becker for His Criticism Following His Quarter-Finals Loss at Roland Garros

Alexander Zverev, Boris Becker (Image via X/We Are Tennis, SPORTbible)

Alexander Zverev was heavily criticized by Boris Becker after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of the Roland Garros. The German star failed to defend his runners-up position at the tournament after a poor display. He has hit back at Becker for his comments, claiming that he lost to one of the greatest players in the sport.

Zverev has failed to take his career to a higher level by winning a Grand Slam title. The German star is one of the most talented players of his generation but is yet to win a major title. He has been to a major final thrice but always fails to get hold of the trophy. His most recent final was against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open final in January, where he lost in straight sets.

At the French Open, the 28-year-old was expected to challenge for the clay-court major title following his runners-up finish last year. But in the quarter-finals, he succumbed to a disappointing defeat to 38-year-old Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 4-6. The loss revealed Zverev struggles at tennis’ biggest stage.

After the match, Boris Becker criticized the German No.1 for his lack of fighting spirit in the match. He also added that he has to part ways with his father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Sr., and brother if he is ever going to win a major title. Those words did not go well with Zverev. He arrived at the Stuttgart Open on Monday (June 9) as he looks to kick off his grass-court season.

During his press conference, he revealed that he doesn’t feel bad losing to a player like Djokovic at the French Open. He added that he doesn’t have any personal issues with Becker as he does respect the tennis legend:

When things don't go well for me, suddenly everyone becomes very smart. Unfortunately, this also includes Boris (Becker). I returned from a very serious injury to reclaim my World No. 2 spot, I still see myself as a strong contender to fight against the two guys at the top. Even if the last match wasn't my best, I lost to Novak Djokovic, not to Hanspeter, ranked #250 in the world. I will always be willing to talk to him if he wants to tell me something; I have no problem with that. There will always be topics where we disagree, for sure, but I have great respect for him.

Zverev is simply running out of time in his hope of winning a Grand Slam. The German star is not yet at the level of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, despite his experience and age. The pair has dominated the past six Grand Slam tournaments, winning three each.

Alexander Zverev hopes to continue with his last year’s grass-court form in Stuttgart

Alexander Zverev is competing at the Stuttgart Open for the fourth time in his career, but his record at the event has not been good. He competed at the tournament for the first time in 2014, losing in the opening match, but made some improvements in his second appearance in 2015, winning just one match before losing in the second round.

Alexander Zverev (via X/ATP)
Alexander Zverev (via X/ATP)

In 2019, his most recent appearance, he bowed out in his opening match. This year, he’s bent on continuing with the improvement he made on the grass-court last season, where he reached the semi-finals of the Halle Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon:

I think last year I showed my best tennis on grass; I would say it was the best version of my career so far. I repeat, I'm very happy to be back here, so my intention is to have a great tournament, showing my best tennis from the start, although I might need a few days of training beforehand. It's been a long time since my last visit here, but the facilities are still beautiful, I think the fans here get involved in a huge way, I sense it will be a great week.

Zverev will now hope to do better at the Stuttgart Open this season as the top seed. He will face either Fabio Fognini or Corentin Moutet in his opening match.

Also Read: Boris Becker Hopes Jannik Sinner Will “be luckier” When He Plays Carlos Alcaraz the Next Time