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Alexander Zverev will be number one – and Boris Becker is his biggest fan again

Reporting by NZZ - Neue Zürcher Zeitung (International)Read the original at nzz.ch

Executive Summary

Alexander Zverev is projected to be number one in the world, with Boris Becker being a significant supporter who has shifted his role over time. The trajectory of Zverev's rise was established following subsequent losses by other players, resulting in Zverev becoming the 30th player in history to reach the world number one and the first German man to end a season at the top of the rankings. Becker has historically occupied roles ranging from supporter to mentor to critic regarding Zverev's career development. While Becker expressed past criticisms, he later acknowledged Zverev’s achievements, suggesting a rapprochement, particularly after Zverev achieved major success. Despite a historical gap in major titles, Zverev is progressing toward catching up with Becker in terms of overall achievement and ranking standing.

Facts Only

* Alexander Zverev is projected to be number one in the world.
* Boris Becker wrote on X about Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev ending their season due to injuries on October 6.
* Zverev was established as number one as the 30th player in history, 35 years after Becker.
* Zverev became the first German man to end a season at the world rankings.
* Becker hovered over Zverev's career, acting as a supporter, mentor, and critic.
* Becker described the claim that he benefited from competitor absence as "total nonsense" in a podcast.
* In 2017, Becker called Zverev "one of the best of the next generation by inclination" but warned that things could go wrong.
* Zverev reached the semi-finals in his home tournament in Hamburg at age 17; Becker won Wimbledon at the same age.
* Zverev achieved three Masters 1000 titles and the ATP Finals but not a major final prior to the article's timeline.
* In April 2025, Becker appeared with Zverev's training in Monte Carlo, and Zverev called the connection a "super connection."

Full Take

The narrative reveals a tension between historical legacy, evolving personal relationships, and performance-based validation. The dynamic between Zverev and Becker illustrates how external standards—whether nostalgia for past dominance or current achievement—are projected onto individuals, often leading to shifts in roles like mentorship versus criticism. The pattern of change involves an initial parental/mentor dynamic that fractures under the pressure of sporting development and public judgment. Becker's role demonstrates a struggle between maintaining a protective, paternal stance ("friend of the house") and asserting critical authority, which is then complicated by Zverev’s need for autonomy. The final phase shows a realignment where performance success seems to temper the critical distance, but the quantitative imbalance in legacy remains a powerful anchor point. The core implication lies in how individuals negotiate their place within established archetypes; whether one is defined by the shadow of greatness or by contemporary accomplishment shapes the experience of recognition and self-worth. What framework is being used—historical inevitability or present performance—to judge future potential?

From the original · NZZ - Neue Zürcher Zeitung (International)

Alexander Zverev will be number one – and Boris Becker is once again his biggest fan The German tennis legend has accompanied Zverev very closely. He is both a supporter and a sharp critic.

Read the full story at nzz.ch

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