Alexander Zverev has publicly called out Boris Becker after the retired six-time Major winner branded him a “problem child” while addressing his disappointing results this season. The world No. 3 has won just one title this year at the Munich Open, and suffered plenty of early exits to lower-ranked players at big tournaments.
While Zverev has made it no secret that he’s also not pleased with his performances in 2025, the German ace has now accused Becker of “looking for attention” by publicly criticising him.
Speaking on an episode of his podcast with fellow retired German pro Andrea Petkovic, Becker said he got “a bit of a headache” when thinking about Zverev’s results this year.
He also questioned whether the 28-year-old should add someone new to his team, as there are “always the same faces” in his box, especially his father, Alexander Senior, who has been coaching Zverev since long before he turned professional.
But Zverev isn’t having it, and he has now told Bild that he “doesn’t care” what Becker has to say anymore.
“I think he’s relatively unconcerned about me, to be honest,” the world No. 3 claimed. “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.
“Everything will work out. I’m full of confidence that I’ll find my form again and play good tennis again.”
Zverev is back in action at this week’s ATP 500 event in Vienna, where he is the second seed. The world No. 3 recently lost to Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam, a lucrative, three-day exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
He also suffered a shock third-round exit at the Shanghai Masters, losing to Arthur Rinderknech, who went on to reach the final. Rinderknech also stunned Zverev in the first round of Wimbledon this summer.
The 28-year-old has also pinned his lack of form down to injuries and recently revealed that he had two injections to help with a back issue following the US Open.
Speaking in Shanghai earlier this month, Zverev said: “It seems like I can’t catch a break this year. It’s been a rough year from a physical standpoint. We just talked about it in the locker room and the last time I played a tournament pain free was the Australian Open.”
