Becker Analyzes Zverev’s Australian Open Win: Key to Dominance

Becker Analyzes Zverev’s Australian Open Win: Key to Dominance

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Becker analysis: This is how Zverev managed the turnaround

Which: Eurosport

It has almost become a tradition for Alexander Zverev to start the Australian Open with a set loss. This mishap has happened to him four times in the past six years, but he has never been eliminated.
Why it always gets bumpy at the beginning was shown by the 6:7 (1:7), 6:1, 6:4, 6:2 against Gabriel Diallo in the tiebreak of the first set. Zverev served at 1:5, but then remained passive. “He has the chance to get to the point early with his backhand, but he just plays the ball back and goes far back. He also misses his forehand shortly afterwards,” analyzes Becker.

A weakness that Zverev was able to remedy after losing the tiebreak – which was immediately reflected in the numbers. While the 28-year-old gave up 16 points on his own serve in the first round, he only added seven points in sets two to four.

“I served very poorly at the beginning, but it got better as the match went on. Everyone knows that I work very hard on this shot,” explained Zverev im Eurosport-Interview.

Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open 2026

Fotocredit: Getty Images

In fact, it is the service that makes the difference for the 2021 Olympic champion between pure dominance and serious problems against players like the world number 41. Diallo.

Rittner praises Zverev: “Always better, more stable and more aggressive”

What was positive, however, was the way Zverev flipped the switch during the game. “The key was to keep his composure, even if the start didn’t go so well. I found it remarkable how much he tried to play more aggressively, to look for the way to the net more or to play offensively after the serve, to go after it,” praised Eurosport expert Barbara Rittner at Eurosport.

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Alexander Zverev – Gabriel Diallo | 1st round | Highlights

Which: Eurosport

Zverev has implemented the things that are “often criticized visibly and better and better,” said the former national coach. “I think Sascha became better, more stable and more aggressive as the match progressed.”

Zverev manages it in under three hours

The reward: The world number three only had to give up seven games in the last three sets, kept the game at just 2:43 hours and saved energy for the upcoming tasks in high temperatures. “It’s good that he didn’t go beyond five sets,” said Becker, who won the Happy Slam in 1991 and 1996.
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Becker praises Zverev’s statements: “You have to give him credit for that”

Which: Eurosport

“I’m happy with my performance in the second, third and fourth sets because I thought I had a pretty high level there,” emphasized Zverev at the press conference in Melbourne Park.

Zverev: “I would have liked to play more games”

Last year’s finalist (defeat against Jannik Sinner) probably also had the thin preparation in mind. “I would have liked to play more games in the United Cup, that’s clear,” said Zverev. Germany’s number one played just two games before the first Grand Slam of the season, beating Tallon Griekspoor and losing to Hubert Hurkacz.
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Zverev exclusively: “A shot that I have to work very hard on”

Which: Eurosport

“Where is the form supposed to come from? Sascha previously had a long break after Turin, then only these two matches at the United Cup. He now has to find his way into the tournament,” emphasized Becker.

It’s no coincidence that the 28-year-old often loses the first set in the first match at the Australian Open, but: “As long as he wins from behind, that’s not a problem!”

This might also interest you: Experts, no thanks – Zverev gets the mission rolling
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Zverev beats Diallo – the match point

Which: Eurosport

James Whitfield

James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.

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