Becker criticizes Zverev's lack of competitive spirit against Sinner
German tennis player Alexander Zverev celebrates defeating France's Terence Atmane during their Men's singles Round of 32 match of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica. Alberto Gardin/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa German tennis great Boris Becker has criticized Alexander Zverev for his lack of competitive spirit in his matches against world number one Jannik Sinner. "I'd like to see a little more fighting spirit, a little more aggression.
Everyone, including Zverev, seems to concede defeat to Sinner relatively early on. The exception is (Carlos) Alcaraz. The guys go into the match holding back, almost scared," he said in the Becker Petkovic podcast, which he hosts with former tennis player Andrea Petkovic.
On Sunday, Zverev was outclassed in the Madrid Masters final, losing to Sinner 6-1, 6-2. It was his ninth consecutive defeat to the Italian opponent. "The match was over after five games.
You didn't get the impression that Zverev had any hope left in him that he could turn things around," Becker said. "I thought Zverev was a match for anyone on clay, but right now it doesn't look that way. Something is going on with him that's preventing him from reaching his full potential in a semi-final or final.
" Becker, however, also had words of praise: "I think Zverev is having his most consistent year yet. " He believes Zverev will be in contention for the title later this month at the French Open, which is the next Grand Slam of the season. The absence of Carlos Alcaraz due to injury has completely reshuffled the odds at Roland Garros, he said.