Athletic Foster Son to Me,” Close “Friend” Boris Becker Relays Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam Hunger as Taking Over Jannik Sinner’s Spot Remains a Priority

Boris Becker’s connection with Alexander Zverev runs deep. Their friendship with the Zverev family goes back years. Becker, the seasoned champion, recognized Zverev’s talent early. After Zverev’s 2018 ATP Finals triumph, Becker declared him “the best of the next generation.” That was a big moment. Before the 2020 Australian Open, “serious words” from Becker struck a chord with Zverev. Those words helped spark his strong run. Fast forward to January 2025-Becker offered tactical advice before Zverev’s semi-final. No matter the setbacks since then, Becker has never stopped supporting him.

The desire for Becker to coach Zverev is strong. Becker is an icon in Germany. He coached Novak Djokovic for three years and helped him win six Grand Slams. That’s a blueprint for success, right? Additionally, their close bond, rooted in nationality and family ties, made mentorship seem natural. But that’s it is, for now.

On Friday, Becker opened up on the Becker Petkovic podcast. “Sascha is kind of like an athletic foster son to me. I know almost everything about his strengths and weaknesses. That’s important, because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help him.” Becker has watched Zverev grow up. Even with recent struggles, he’s seen Zverev keep competing. When Sascha admitted that not taking a break after losing to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 AO final was not “the smartest decision,” he still kept fighting.

Becker also shed light on Zverev’s mental state. “He’s currently in a very exciting emotional phase because he wants to achieve something he’s never achieved before. That means winning a Grand Slam and, of course, becoming the number one in the world. And that’s something I’m quite familiar with, because I’ve been both – as a coach and player, it’s a whole different atmosphere. It’s a different world. It’s a different kind of challenge. It’s a different kind of pressure.”

Since losing to Sinner in late January, Zverev has struggled. He’s won just six of 12 matches. With Sinner suspended until May 4, Sascha was among the favorites to overtake him in the rankings. But he couldn’t clinch a title in five tournaments: Argentina Open, Rio Open, Mexican Open, Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and Monte-Carlo Masters. After Monte Carlo, Zverev called it “the worst period since my injury.” He was frustrated, but not giving up. Will Becker join his team? Looks like he’s fine from the outside.

Becker added, “I’m not going to be his coach. It will always be his father. But a close friend, advisor – because if he wins that title and reaches the sporting Mount Everest, it’s not just Zverev who wins, but also German tennis as a whole. And then we’ve all won. And we all benefit from that.” His father has been his main coach for most of his career. Zverev Sr. started coaching Alexander from a young age, taking over from his wife Irina, and has remained the central figure ever since.

Fun fact: Zverev has worked with high-profile coaches-Juan Carlos Ferrero (2017), Ivan Lendl (2018–2019), and David Ferrer (2020–2021)-but his father always returns as the main coach after each stint.

To shake things up, Zverev recently revamped his team. British physiotherapist Will Herbert is back, alternating with Bastian Arnold after Christoph Seiler’s departure. Former pro Matthias Bachinger has joined as hitting partner, training daily with Zverev in Monte Carlo. Additionally, Becker’s mentorship is clear- he was spotted at Monte Carlo practice sessions in April 2025, offering guidance and support.

This fresh energy is showing results. Monte Carlo didn’t go as planned, but Zverev won the Munich title against Ben Shelton. He opened the Madrid Open by defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday. He’s building momentum ahead of the French Open in late May 2025. How does he feel about this feat?

Alexander Zverev reflects on his rise back into form

Alexander celebrated his 28th birthday with a thrilling title win in Munich, his third at the event. “It’s extremely special. I always love winning tournaments in Germany. It’s probably the most special thing that I can do. It’s definitely a great birthday present,” he said after beating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4. Along with the trophy, he took home an electric car and nearly half a million euros.

Dropping only one set all week, he called it “one of the best weeks you can have as a tennis player.” He added, “I don’t think we need to talk about the last few weeks anymore. I’m just so happy with the title and with the level that I managed to play at.” As the top seed at the BMW Open in Munich, Zverev began his campaign with a straightforward 6-4, 6-1 victory over Alexandre Muller in the first round. He then progressed to the quarterfinals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win against compatriot Daniel Altmaier.

A tougher challenge awaited in the quarter-finals, where he faced Tallon Griekspoor, eventually prevailing in three sets 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 6-4. In the semi-finals, Zverev overcame Fabian Marozsan to make it to the finals.

Now heading to Madrid with real momentum, having just reclaimed No. 2 in the world after his Munich title. Already a two-time Madrid champion (2018, 2021), he kept his streak alive by pulling off a gritty comeback against Roberto Carballes Baena, winning 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-0 in a match that lasted over three hours. “This is my favorite center court in the world, I only lost twice here in my entire life. I hope that stays the way throughout the next 10 days and that I can continue playing good tennis,” he said.

Next, Zverev faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, whom he’s beaten four times in five meetings. With momentum and confidence on his side, Zverev looks set to keep the streak alive and make a deep run in Madrid. What do you think?

The post Athletic Foster Son to Me,” Close “Friend” Boris Becker Relays Alexander Zverev’s Grand Slam Hunger as Taking Over Jannik Sinner’s Spot Remains a Priority appeared first on EssentiallySports.