Follow us on Google Discover Alexander Zverev has fired back at Boris Becker after the legend’s recent criticism of him.
In a joint podcast with former women’s player Andrea Petkovic, Becker called Zverev a ‘problem child’ while criticising his performances as of late on the ATP Tour.
The world number three has recorded a largely disappointing season, and has recently endured an underwhelming Asian swing, during which he crashed out in the early stages of the Shanghai Masters.
Becker stated that he gets ‘a bit of a headache when thinking about Zverev’, and said he needs to stop getting distracted and focus on himself.
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The six-time major champion also slammed his compatriot for not changing his environment, highlighting how there are ‘always the same faces’ in his player box.
Now, ahead of his indoor hard-court season, Zverev has issued a response to Becker.
Alexander Zverev issues response to Boris Becker after criticism
When asked to reply to Becker’s words in an interview with German news outlet ‘Bild am Sonntag‘, Zverev said: “I think he’s relatively unconcerned about me, to be honest.
“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.”
In April earlier this year, Zverev briefly worked with Becker, but the 57-year-old shut down any suggestions of becoming his full-time coach.
“Everything will work out,” continued Zverev. “I’m full of confidence that I’ll find my form again and play good tennis again.
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“Now there are tournaments that I really like indoors, Vienna and Paris, where I won last year. I think I can play good tennis there again.”
Zverev’s next appearance on tour will be at the Vienna Open, where he has been handed a favourable draw.
Alexander Zverev’s first-round opponent at the Vienna Open
In the first round of the ATP 500 event in Vienna, Zverev will face Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, in what marks their fourth tour-level meeting.
The two first clashed in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year, with Zverev coming out on top in straight sets en route to the final.
They met again at the Miami Open March, where Fearnley was dominated once again, losing 6-2, 6-4 to his conqueror.
Zverev’s third and most recent victory over Fearnley came at the US Open, which was his last win at Flushing Meadows before falling to eventual semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime.