"Actually has the basic prerequisites to play well on grass": Becker and Schett on notion that Zverev is too tall to be a success at Wimbledon
ATPMonday, 03 July 2023 at 17:30
Alexander Zverev actually has the basic prerequisites to play well on grass believe Barbara Schett and Boris Becker heading into this year's Wimbledon.
Zverev has previously made statements that he believes he is too tall for successful tennis on grass but Schett points to examples which show his statement to be false.
She said on Eurosport that she feels it is more about personal belief on the surface than any requisite.
"There have been Wimbledon winners with a handsome size - Goran Ivanisevic, for example," said Schett on Eurosport.
"Success on grass is rather "a matter of attitude."
"If he doesn't tell himself he can't play on grass, then he would be very good."
"It will be important for him to play aggressively, serve well and maybe throw in a slice, which he doesn't like to do that much."
"He is playing for the Grand Slam tournaments. If he has that positive attitude, then he can play very strong there."
Becker believes Zverev has to accept realities of different surface
Boris Becker also spoke about this mindset from Zverev and said that he believes that he has to accept the realities of the surface.
That being that it is different from hard court or clay and find his way of playing and adapting to it.
"Not yet found his way of playing. Of all the surfaces, he feels most uncomfortable on grass. That also has something to do with his footwork. You have to play tennis differently on grass than on clay or hard court. It's a different sport," said the six-time Grand Slam champion in the podcast "Das Gelbe vom Ball".
"Then follows the question: 'Do I want to play well there at all? Am I prepared to give everything to increase my chances?'" He continued that Zverev "actually has the basic prerequisites to play well on grass". The question is: how does he use that?" added Becker.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
- Anywhere is better than Saudi Arabia!DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- He'd be a perfect coach for Rafael Jodar.DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- This financial 'chump-change' means nothing to Saba. Her vacuity likely cannot fathom the "problem" with her unprofessional actions and reactions in general. The racquet smash is not my focus. My focus was/is on her distasteful, totally unprofessional, disgusting facial expressions and eye-rolls while standing behind Elena as she spoke on the podium. This woman needs a degree of therapy for her True Attitude(s). She is not fooling anyone within the WTA circles with her post-match winner "humor" and smiley behavior. Her True Self comes out when losing a set/match and as a runner-up on the podium.
mandoist16-09-2026 - When will this repetitive "news" and wishful thinking stop?mandoist16-09-2026
- WTA has been unfairly ignoring Elena ever since Wimbledon. Arguably biased against her. Same with the most major sponsors whom normally pounce on the Wimbledon Winners for sponsorship. Didn't happen. Her unfair treatment was always in Lena's subconcious; how she was largely ignored after Wimbledon. Her sister helped her a lot during that period. Next came illnesses and minor injury. A lot of time was lost, and physical (mental?) issues were frequent, as she fought through the absurdiy and general nonsense brought-on by her coach/partner. He was a Loser then, he's a Loser still. Although he has lowered his attitude, volume, and non-stop yapping from the box since he wore the organizations out with his non-stop legal letters begging for mercy and ultimately fully reinstated. Rybakina deserves all the accolades others have enjoyed and more for her strength and will to succeed. Hope it continues.mandoist15-09-2026
- Ball bouncing is not that extreme but... ...they can eliminate the time-wasting walks back & forth to the Towel Bin between serves!!! That's just plain ridiculous to see some of them take minimum 30 seconds between every serve to shuffle over to their towel bin, dab their face, or wipe their handle. "Toweling-off" is an obvious time waster.mandoist15-09-2026
- Raducan'tdo and the media's love affair with her may be due to her looks. Since she does nothing for tennis, what else is going on with the 'love'?? She is best at maintaining a "presence" via anti-Social Media and maintaining her sponsorships.mandoist14-09-2026
Loading
