Boris Becker responds to the rumors linking him to be the new coach of Alexander Zverev

Although Alexander Zverev's performances in major tournaments have been consistent, he has often faltered at the final hurdle.

Boris Becker responds to the rumors linking him to be the new coach of Alexander Zverev

Boris Becker (via Instagram/Boris Becker), Alexander Zverev (via Instagram/Alexander Zverev)

Former World No. 1 Boris Becker was observed during training sessions with compatriot Alexander Zverev in Monte Carlo, assisting alongside Zverev’s father, Alexander Senior. Becker has been a finalist thrice at the Monte Carlo Masters, in 1989, 1991 and 1995. Zverev’s father, who was a professional tennis player for the Soviet Union before moving to Germany, has coached both him and his other elder brother, Mischa. 

Becker played an active role during these sessions before the BMW Open began. However, Becker departed Munich before the tournament’s start and was not present during Zverev’s matches at the BMW Open. There are no scheduled visits or appearances of Becker at the Munich tournament after his departure.

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When asked about Becker’s involvement, Zverev remained tight-lipped and did not provide any detailed information, emphasizing that if there were any news regarding Becker, he would communicate it directly. According to Zverev, no news or developments have occurred in terms of Boris Becker joining his team permanently or intensifying their cooperation. At present, no long-term or intensified partnership with the six-time Grand Slam champion seems likely.

I already said it in Monte Carlo. If there’s anything new, I’ll let you know. But there’s nothing.

Alexander Zverev told the press

Zverev has, however, made other slight changes to his team. Experienced British physiotherapist Will Herbert has been looking after Zverev again for a few weeks, alternating with Bastian Arnold, the German Tennis Federation’s physiotherapist. Christoph Seiler is no longer part of the German’s team.

Right from the beginning of his career, Herbert coached the then 17-year-old and his brother Mischa together and is very close to the Zverev brothers. Herbert coached Emma Raducanu during her sensational victory at the 2021 US Open and was most recently responsible for Jack Draper.

Alexander Zverev drops to World No. 3

Alexander Zverev commenced the season on a high note at the Australian Open, where he reached the final. The German eventually lost to defending champion Jannik Sinner in his third attempt at trying to clinch a Grand Slam title. With Sinner’s three-month doping suspension starting in February, there were many expectations that Zverev, who was next to World No. 1 Sinner in rankings, would be able to surge ahead in the points race. 

Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

However, he has not done so. In fact, Zverev has won only six matches since then and has failed to reach the semi-finals of any tournament. This week, the 27-year-old dropped to No. 3 in the ATP rankings after Carlos Alcaraz clinched his maiden Monte Carlo Masters and overtook him. Zverev, on the other hand, was knocked out in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters after losing to Matteo Berrettini. 

Alexander Zverev has had a comparatively easier run on home soil in the BMW Open. He has reached his fourth quarterfinal of the season in this tournament, cruising past Alexandre Muller and Daniel Altmaier in the first and second rounds, respectively.

The World No. 3 will meet Tallon Griekspoor in the quarterfinals. Zverev and Griekspoor have played eight times, with Zverev leading their head-to-head 6-2. Zverev last met Griekspoor in the opening round of the Indian Wells this year, where the Dutchman defeated him in three sets which included two tightly contested tiebreaks in the second and third set.


Zverev has reigned champion twice at the BMW Open. He clinched his maiden title in 2017 after defeating Guido Pella in the finals. He defended his title the next year, defeating compatriot and three-time champion Philipp Kohlschreiber in the finals. He will be aiming for his 24th ATP singles title and his ninth clay court title in this tournament.