Boris Becker explains why Zverev’s mental struggle is holding him back - "He is not convinced of himself"
ATP
Boris Becker explained the reasons behind Alexander Zverev's recent struggles, with several surprising defeats that seem to be endless. The world No. 2, who not long ago had a strong chance of reaching the top of the rankings for the first time, has faced a difficult few months.
After a great 2024, Zverev started the 2025 season at the Australian Open, where he reached the final but ultimately lost to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. After the Italian’s three-month suspension, Zverev has taken the lead as the main favorite in his recent tournaments.
Zverev decided to travel to the South American Golden Swing for the first time after his Australian tour, but it didn’t work out well for him, as he was knocked out in the quarterfinals of both the Argentina Open and the Rio Open. In North America, his results didn’t improve, with three wins and three losses—including a first-round exit at Indian Wells.
With a 6-5 record since the end of the Australian Open and his chance to rise to No. 1, Zverev needed near-perfect campaigns, although it was still a good opportunity to at least close the gap with Sinner before his return from a three-month suspension.
Regarding Zverev’s struggles, Boris Becker commented on his podcast with Andre Petkovic, believing the main issue lies with Zverev’s mentality in handling the expectations surrounding him over the past few years. "I always start with it, with the mental attitude, he is not as convinced of himself at the moment as he was in Melbourne or as he was at the end of last year," Becker said. "Can you train something like that?
"I know in Florida, there are the best training centers for forehand and backhand, for fitness, but is there also a school for mentality, for self-confidence, for inner peace, for inner faith?"
"I don’t think so, and that’s something where I think he just has to look there, who can take him further, who can help him there, because ultimately for me that is the difference between victory and defeat with him at the moment," the six-time Grand Slam champion added. "I think Miami was better."
The former world No. 1 also recalled several matches in which Zverev squandered opportunities to win. "I was a little worried that between Indian Wells and Miami, he would take refuge somewhere in the desert and take a break," he added. "But he probably went to Florida to his second home, then trained even more, which I can’t even imagine, and really played better against Jordan Thompson and Co."
"He plays against Arthur Fils, he has already lost to him in Hamburg, that can happen, this Frenchman, 20 years young, so extremely strong," said Becker. "But he had a break in the third and then lost. With serve, with a break in the third, you are actually on the winning track. He had a break in the third against the Argentine Comesana in Rio. He served against Griekspoor in Indian Wells for the match."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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