German tennis icon Boris Becker has expressed his belief that Alexander Zverev made a misstep by openly discussing his mental health challenges following his unexpected early exit from Wimbledon. Zverev, 28, has long been considered a potential Grand Slam champion but has been surrounded by controversy.
Despite reaching the finals of major tournaments, Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, has yet to meet the high expectations set for him. His hopes of claiming his first major title at Wimbledon were dashed this summer by a defeat in the opening round at the hands of Arthur Rinderknech.
After his defeat, Zverev candidly shared his recent struggles and received support from many fans. However, Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, believes that Zverev’s inner circle failed to guide him appropriately and that he should have kept his personal challenges private.
Becker, 57, expressed empathy for Zverev, likening him to an adopted son in the sports world. He stated that if he had been Zverev’s coach, he would have advised against disclosing his mental state publicly after a first-round Grand Slam loss. Becker remains optimistic about Zverev’s future, asserting his belief that Zverev will eventually claim a Grand Slam title and achieve the top ranking.
Following his surprising exit from Wimbledon, Zverev shocked the tennis world with his candid admission of feeling empty and lacking joy both on and off the court. He expressed feelings of loneliness and mental struggles, emphasizing the need for internal change.
Apart from his on-court challenges, Zverev has also faced off-court controversies, including domestic abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend, which he has denied. Despite the difficulties, Zverev remains determined to overcome his current struggles.
Zverev is now gearing up to compete at the Canadian Open, where he is scheduled to face Australian Adam Walton in the upcoming round of 64.