Boris Becker gave a blunt explanation for why Alexander Zverev, the reigning World No. 1, has never quite been taken to heart in Germany. The six-time major winner linked Zverev’s domestic detachment to his geopolitical silence on the Ukraine conflict, thrusting the World No. 1’s cultural heritage straight into the line of fire.
He argues, however, that Zverev’s Russian roots does not go over well at home. The answer puts Zverev’s family background and his decision not to make political statements at the center of the debate over his popularity.
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His explanations ranged from Zverev’s Russian-speaking box and his silence on the war to his terse manner in German-language interviews.
“His parents are Russian and he speaks Russian with his team during matches. Plus, he doesn’t speak out publicly about the Ukraine war, something I can personally understand, but which evidently doesn’t help him win over the affection of the German public,” Becker said during an interview with Der Spiegel.
“In German interviews, he usually comes across as pretty dry and curt, and he’s not especially kind to journalists either. However, when he speaks in English, he’s much more likable, has charm, a sense of humor, and knows how to laugh at himself,” he added.
Becker believes Alexander Zverev is different in person, and that the player would have to show it to the public.
“In private, I’ve met a charming and fun Sascha. I think he should open up more and let people get to know him. If he wants to be respected more and even liked, especially in his own country, he has to put in some effort himself,” he remarked.
Alexander Zverev launches scathing attack at Boris Becker’s ‘strange’ criticism
After Alexander Zverev’s maiden stint at the top began with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 loss to Lorenzo Musetti in the second round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday, he did not let Becker’s statement pass.
While addressing reporters following his straight-sets defeat to the Italian, he dismissed the former World No. 1’s remarks as a habit rather than an insight.
“I don’t know what’s going on with him right now, but I get the feeling he has to comment on everything I do. If he feels he needs that, then let him,” he said.
He was more specific about the political element, saying nobody had ever asked him to take a position.
“I found it kind of strange that he thinks I have to express my political views. I’m not going to sit on Instagram and post long comments,” he added.
Their argument has history: Becker questioned Alexander Zverev’s fighting spirit earlier this year, and in Vienna last week, the 29-year-old responded that one man criticized him constantly and that the opinion did not interest him. His answers in Paris suggest he remains wholly unapologetic.
Edited by Pritha Ghosh
