Boris Becker Backs Alexander Zverev’s Consistent Rise After Munich Semifinal Run
MUNICH, Germany — Boris Becker has offered a rare endorsement of Alexander Zverev’s current trajectory, describing the German star’s recent form as “sehr konstant” — incredibly consistent — and evidence that he is firmly on the right path toward reclaiming elite status in men’s tennis.
The comment came in a televised interview with German broadcaster SPORT1 following Zverev’s hard-fought semifinal loss to Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti at the BMW Open in Munich last week. Despite the defeat, Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, emphasized that Zverev’s ability to reach the later stages of tournaments with minimal drop-off in performance marks a significant step forward after years of inconsistency.
“He’s not winning every match, but he’s not losing early either,” Becker said. “That stability — winning the matches he should, pushing the top guys — that’s what separates contenders from also-rans. Right now, Sasha is doing exactly that.”
Zverev, ranked No. 5 in the world, entered the Munich Open as the defending champion and top seed. He advanced to the semifinals without dropping a set, defeating Dominik Koepfer, Yannick Hanfmann, and lucky loser Giulio Zeppieri in straight sets. His run ended against Musetti, who saved three match points in a dramatic third-set tiebreak to win 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 7-6(10-8).
The loss was Zverev’s first at the BMW Open since 2021 and halted his bid for a third title at the event. Yet Becker pointed to the broader context: Zverev has now reached at least the semifinals in four of his last six ATP 500-level tournaments, including runs in Rotterdam, Doha, and Barcelona.
“People forget how hard It’s to maintain this level week after week,” Becker added. “The tour is brutal. The fact that he’s showing up, competing deep into events, and not having those awful early exits — that’s progress.”
Zverev’s resurgence comes after a turbulent 2022–2023 period marred by off-court distractions and inconsistent results. Although he reached the French Open final in 2020 and won the ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021, his form dipped significantly afterward, with early losses and visible frustration on court becoming recurring themes.
Since hiring new coach Gonzalo López-Fabero in late 2023, Zverev has worked to rebuild his foundation, focusing on serve consistency, return aggression, and mental resilience. The Munich run, while falling short of the title, reflected those improvements — particularly in his ability to grind out tight sets and avoid the emotional swings that once derailed him.
Musetti, ranked No. 17, earned his first ATP 500 semifinal appearance with the victory. The 22-year-old Italian, known for his one-handed backhand and clay-court prowess, saved match points with a combination of aggressive forehands and precise net play. He will face either Casper Ruud or Holger Rune in the final.
For Zverev, the focus now shifts to preparation for the upcoming clay-court swing, culminating in the French Open in late May. He has not won a title since his ATP Finals triumph in Turin last November and will look to break that drought at the Monte-Carlo Masters or Madrid Open.
Becker, who coached Zverev briefly in 2017–2018 before their partnership ended amid controversy, has remained a vocal observer of the German’s career. His recent praise carries weight given his own experience guiding players to major success and his deep understanding of the mental demands of the sport.
“Consistency isn’t flashy,” Becker concluded. “But it’s what wins Slams. And if Sasha keeps building on this, the rest will follow.”
Zverev is scheduled to begin his Monte-Carlo Masters campaign on April 8, where he received a first-round bye as a top-eight seed. His opening opponent will be the winner of the match between qualifier Alexandre Müller and lucky loser Thiago Agustín Tirante.
As the clay season unfolds, tennis observers will watch closely to see whether Zverev can translate his recent stability into tangible results — a question Becker believes is already being answered in the affirmative.
What do you think of Zverev’s current trajectory? Can he sustain this level and challenge for a major title in 2024? Share your thoughts below and spread the conversation.
