💔 The once close relationship between German tennis stars Alexander Zverev and Boris Becker appears to have reached a freezing point. While the legendary six-time Grand Slam winner insists his door remains open to offering advice, World No. 3 Zverev seems ready to shut that door firmly, frustrated by Becker’s public criticism.
🤝 From Potential Coach to Public Critic
For years, the two Germans enjoyed a warm rapport, with former World No. 1 Becker often providing Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, with guidance on winning at the highest level.
In 2024, there was even serious talk of Becker joining Zverev’s coaching team. The only major obstacle at the time was Becker’s inability to travel globally following his 2022 imprisonment for hiding assets after being declared bankrupt. As a result of his legal situation, Becker was unable to travel to major tournaments like the US Open and the Australian Open and had to give up his Wimbledon commentary role.
Zverev was keen on the idea, acknowledging Becker’s knowledge but emphasizing the need for a full-time, traveling coach. Zverev told Tennis Magazin at the time: “I love Boris and I also believe that he has an incredible knowledge of tennis. But I don’t know how he feels about travelling. That’s the only question mark for him.”
🗣️ The Breaking Point: Punditry vs. Friendship
However, things dramatically “went south” in 2025. Becker’s role as a television pundit increasingly led to him publicly scrutinizing Zverev’s performances.
The friction became public after Becker questioned Zverev’s form following early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open. The 28-year-old fired back, dismissing the criticism bluntly: “I think he’s looking for a bit of attention, and he gets it through me. Unfortunately, that’s the case. But I don’t care anymore.”
The tension escalated after Zverev’s disappointing group-stage exit from the ATP Finals following a loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Becker again offered his opinion on Sky Deutschland, suggesting a mental block was hindering the player: “I’m not a psychologist, I can’t see what’s going on inside him. But it had less to do with tennis.”
Despite admitting that their current relationship is “a bit cooler,” Becker offered an olive branch: “I’m not part of the team. If he has a question, I’m always open and will answer it.”
✋ Zverev Shuts It Down
That olive branch was immediately swatted away by Zverev, who made it clear he is over the public commentary. Shutting down the speculation about future coaching, Zverev declared: “If that’s his opinion. To be honest, I’m fed up with his comments.”
The exchange confirms that the close bond between the two German tennis stars has fractured, making any future professional collaboration highly unlikely.