Boris Becker responds to Alexander Zverev’s ‘nonsense’ criticism

Alexander Zverev has publicly lashed out at Boris Becker. Now the tennis legend himself has spoken out – and, surprisingly, struck a conciliatory note.

Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev frequently speak publicly about one another. Sometimes the tennis legend criticises, sometimes Germany’s number one hits back – and vice versa. Now Becker has attempted to take the heat out of the heated debate. The 58-year-old explained that he considers the fuss surrounding his recent comments to be exaggerated.

“It’s being blown out of proportion. A lot of it is exaggerated; there are plenty of sensational headlines,” Becker explained on Sunday on Sky on the sidelines of the ATP Masters in Paris. Anyone who reads his full interview in *Der Spiegel* will realise that he “expressed himself wonderfully” and by no means spoke disparagingly about Zverev.

On the contrary: In Paris, Becker even had words of high praise for his compatriot. “Having such a superstar is the best thing that could have happened to German tennis.”

Zverev had launched a scathing attack on Becker

The trigger had been an interview Becker gave to *Der Spiegel*, in which the six-time Grand Slam champion had addressed the public perception of Zverev.

Among other things, Becker had criticised Zverev’s behaviour towards journalists and raised the question of why, despite his sporting successes, the Hamburg native was not shown the same affection as other tennis greats. He had also addressed Zverev’s reticence on political issues, particularly the war in Ukraine.

These remarks met with little understanding from the newly crowned world number one. Following his opening-round defeat to Lorenzo Musetti in Paris (6–7, 2–6), Zverev hit back sharply at the press conference. “I think, as always, he’s talking a fair bit of rubbish,” said the Hamburg native. Becker apparently feels the need to comment publicly on almost everything he does.

Zverev was even more forthright when asked about Becker’s motives. “I think he’s simply looking for anything and everything at the moment to put me down a bit. He can do that; it’s his decision,” said the new number one in the ATP world rankings.

Becker refrains from counter-attacking

Becker did not retract his statements entirely – rather, he stands by his view that his criticism had been exaggerated in the public debate.

Isn’t it time for a clarifying conversation? “I don’t want to say anything more about it. We’re all grown-ups and I have children of that age; I know they’re not always in a good mood,” Becker explained when asked by Sky, thereby perhaps unwittingly delivering another dig.

“He lost to Mussetti – some of the things I’ve said after a defeat wouldn’t even have been suitable for young audiences,” said Becker, summarising the commotion surrounding his recent comments. One shouldn’t take everything too seriously.