Alexander Zverev responds to Boris Becker after Paris Masters exit

Alexander Zverev, the newly crowned ATP world number one, has engaged in a public dispute with tennis legend Boris Becker following Zverev’s second-round loss to Lorenzo Musetti at the Paris Masters.

In a series of interviews, Becker criticized Zverev’s public image, suggesting the German player is not well-liked in his home country due to his perceived bluntness in German-language interviews, his Russian heritage, and his lack of political statements regarding the war in Ukraine. Becker also suggested Zverev should work harder to earn respect and affection from fans.

Zverev responded sharply, accusing Becker of telling “relatively much nonsense” and attempting to tear him down. Zverev expressed frustration over having to justify his position as world number one, stating he feels he is the only player in history who has had to explain why it is acceptable for him to hold the top ranking.

Additionally, Zverev addressed Becker’s comments regarding fan support, noting that while he felt supported by 70 percent of the crowd in Paris, he has faced varying levels of crowd reception at other major tournaments. Becker also ruled out the possibility of coaching Zverev, citing the player’s close-knit family coaching structure and his own desire to avoid constant international travel.