Alexander Zverev Indirectly Slams Boris Becker Despite Recent Praise: “Not Very Interested in His Opinion”

Alexander Zverev is in Vienna, competing in the ATP 500 event. Sascha is chasing his third title of the season after his wins at the French Open and the US Open.

He beat Flavio Cobolli in Paris and home favorite Ben Shelton in New York. Zverev also reached the final of Wimbledon, but lost to defending champion Jannik Sinner. Because the five-time Grand Slam champion has ended his season due to a knee injury, Zverev will dethrone him from the No.1 ranking and will become the first German man to do so since Boris Becker in 1991.

Zverev faced a lot of criticism despite his two Grand Slam wins, as many are convinced he would still be a player with no Major titles to his name had he faced either Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz. Becker, who previously had criticized his compatriot, came to his defense, saying, “The critics say he didn’t earn it. I say that is total nonsense. He fights, he plays, he works, and he is now rightfully and highly deservedly the new world No. 1.“

Because of his past criticism, Zverev slammed the retired World No.1, though he did not name him.

Only one person has ever criticized me, and to be honest, I’m not very interested in his opinion over the last few years. Because every time he’s said something, the exact opposite has happened.

Alexander Zverev said at the pre-tournament press conference in Vienna

Zverev also talked about competing in events where he did well despite not being in good form.

I chose where I wanted to be in top form. There were tournaments where I wasn’t in top form and still won my matches. But I was definitely in top form at the Grand Slams this year; I did a good job with my team.

Alexander Zverev added

Zverev kicked off his campaign in Vienna with a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(11) win over rising star Martin Landaluce. He will next face Tallon Griekspoor or Brandon Nakashima.

Alexander Zverev shares the goals he wants to achieve before retirement

Earlier this year, Alexander Zverev said he was confident of ending his Grand Slam drought in 2026. And after fulfilling his goal, he said reaching the No.1 ranking was his next goal, which he will reach this season.

What I said ten years ago, when I was 18, was that I wanted to win 20 titles. You have to keep setting new goals for yourself. This year, my big goal was to win a Grand Slam. Once I achieved that, the next goal became becoming world number one. I’ve always been quite clear about that. I also have other goals.

Alexander Zverev said during his pre-tournament press conference in Vienna

Zverev, apart from the three Grand Slam finals, also reached the final of the Madrid Open this season, losing it to Jannik Sinner.

I hope to have the opportunity to win the other two Grand Slams that I’m still missing. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to win again in Paris or New York, but conquering the other two would be something very special for me. This year, for the first time, I felt I could compete for the title on grass as well. For me, that was a huge step forward, because I felt I finally had a chance to win all four Grand Slams. I think those are my next goals.

Alexander Zverev added

The 29-year-old has played two finals in Vienna, winning in 2021 by beating Frances Tiafoe and losing in 2025 to Sinner. Zverev is a six-time champion in ATP 500 events, last winning a title at this level at the 2025 Munich Open.

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