Alexander Zverev’s latest Grand Slam disappointment has sparked a wave of criticism and concern, particularly from German tennis legend Boris Becker, who has publicly urged the world No. 1 to make drastic changes to his coaching setup. Becker believes that Zverev’s continued reliance on his father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev Sr., and brother Mischa Zverev as part of his coaching team may be holding him back from finally achieving Grand Slam glory.
Zverev’s most recent opportunity slipped away at the 2025 French Open, where he was outplayed in the quarter-finals by 38-year-old Novak Djokovic. Despite a strong start to the match, the German was ultimately defeated in four sets—6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 4-6—raising familiar concerns about his ability to deliver under pressure at the biggest tournaments.
The loss extended Zverev’s long-standing Grand Slam drought. Now 28, he has reached three major finals—the US Open in 2020, the French Open in 2023, and the Australian Open earlier this year—but has failed to secure the elusive title each time. With each missed opportunity, scrutiny over his coaching arrangements intensifies, and Becker has now added his voice to the chorus.
Speaking after Zverev’s Roland Garros exit, Becker didn’t mince words. “It’s been 34 years since a German man won a Grand Slam,” he said, referencing his own 1991 Australian Open triumph. “I believe Alexander has the talent, but something has to change. Sometimes, being too close to family makes tough decisions harder. He needs a fresh perspective.”
Becker’s comments suggest that Zverev might benefit from an experienced, external coach who could bring new ideas and strategies to his game. While his father and brother have supported him throughout his career and contributed to his rise to the top of the ATP rankings, critics argue that emotional ties might hinder objective decision-making when it comes to training and match preparation.
Zverev, for his part, has not indicated any plans to change his coaching team. In fact, he recently defended his team following Becker’s remarks, stating that he lost to one of the greatest players in history and that the defeat didn’t warrant a complete overhaul.
As the grass-court season begins, all eyes will be on Zverev to see how he responds—both on and off the court. With Wimbledon approaching, the pressure to finally break through on the sport’s biggest stages is mounting. Whether or not he heeds Becker’s advice, the coming months will be crucial for a player whose career continues to be defined by unfulfilled potential.