Alexander Zverev Responds to Becker Criticism Ahead of BOSS OPEN

STUTTGART, Germany — Alexander Zverev, Germany’s top tennis player, showed determination and focus as he prepared for the BOSS OPEN while addressing criticism from tennis legends Boris Becker and Barbara Rittner.

The tournament kicked off on June 10, 2025, under sunny skies at the Weissenhof, after a rainy weekend. Fans were eager to see Zverev, who drew a crowd of children hoping for autographs as he made his way to the clubhouse.

Despite his recent quarterfinal exit at Roland Garros, the support for the 28-year-old remains strong. Zverev expressed excitement about returning to Stuttgart after six years. “I think the fans are also really looking forward to it. Hopefully it will be a great week,” he said.

Following his defeat against Novak Djokovic, Zverev took a break in Majorca, focusing on golf. “I played 36 holes a day. I really enjoyed it,” he shared at his press conference, emphasizing his need to recharge before returning to competition.

However, he faced criticism from Becker and Rittner regarding his playing style, which he addressed directly. “I don’t know why Barbara suddenly has so much to say about my tennis career. To be honest, I don’t take her opinion seriously. I think she’s wrong,” Zverev stated.

He acknowledged the disappointment of his loss but emphasized his competitive spirit. “I still see myself as a contender against the two guys at the top,” he said, referring to Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. He added that he had a good relationship with Becker before the recent comments.

In a conciliatory tone, Zverev expressed respect for Becker, stating, “I will always talk to him if he wants to talk to me. There are issues to argue about, but I still have enormous respect for him.”

As Zverev prepares for his first match on grass since his return, he aims to go far in the tournament. “I want to give everything to get far and win,” he declared firmly.

The pressure is on as he looks forward to his first match against either wild card Fabio Fognini or Frenchman Corentin Moutet on Thursday. “Physically, it’s difficult to play here. But this is a tournament I really like, and I’m very happy to be back,” Zverev concluded.