German tennis legend Boris Becker has advised Alexander Zverev to overhaul his coaching staff, starting with parting ways with his father and brother.
Following Alexander Zverev’s latest Grand Slam setback in the French Open, Boris Becker has openly called for the 28-year-old to consider a major shift in his coaching structure. Zverev, still chasing his first Grand Slam title, fell short once again at Roland-Garros on Wednesday, losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets during a high-stakes quarter-final.
Time for Change, Says Becker
Becker, who remains one of Germany’s most influential tennis figures, believes Zverev’s long-standing coaching team, led by his father Alexander Sr. and brother Mischa is hindering his progress on the sport’s biggest stages.
Speaking to Eurosport Germany, Becker stated:
[Zverev] had [Ivan] Lendl, [Juan Carlos] Ferrero, [David] Ferrer and [Sergi] Bruguera. It doesn’t get much better than that. But they were always embedded with his father and his brother. And I don’t think anyone new will come along in this constellation.
He emphasized the need for a new perspective and environment, comparing Zverev’s situation to that of other top players.
How is [Jannik] Sinner doing? There have now been three successful years with Darren Cahill. Now there’s a new one coming. At some point you need new noises and a new environment.
Drawing lessons from Nadal and Football
Becker pointed to Rafael Nadal’s evolving coaching team as a model, noting how the Spaniard transitioned from working with Toni Nadal to collaborating with Carlos Moya and Francisco Roig.
He also used a football analogy to underline his point:
It’s the same in football, as a football coach you don’t normally stay with a club for 10 years. [Zverev] is the one who decides. He is the chairman of the board, the CEO.
While praising the contributions of Zverev’s family, Becker added:
His father and brother did an excellent job, but it wasn’t good enough for the final step.
Window of opportunity narrowing
Although Zverev remains in peak physical condition, the rise of younger talents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner adds urgency to his Grand Slam ambitions.
Becker cautioned:
The dream of a Grand Slam title isn’t over, but with every missed opportunity, it becomes more difficult. The competition is not Djokovic’s generation, but that of Alcaraz and Sinner.
Novak Djokovic will take on Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of Roland Garros on Friday.