Key Takeaways
- Alexander Zverev dismissed opinions from past critics during a pre-tournament press conference in Vienna, noting the opposite of their claims often occurs.
- Boris Becker recently praised Zverev’s impending rise to world number 1 as fully earned, calling criticism of the milestone total nonsense despite past critiques of Zverev’s serve routine.
- Zverev attributed his position atop the ATP rankings to Grand Slam titles at the French Open and US Open through a strategy focused on peaking at major events.
German star focuses on achievements ahead of Vienna Open
Alexander Zverev has dismissed long-standing critiques from within German tennis as he prepares to take over the world number 1 spot before the conclusion of the 2026 season. Speaking to the media before the tournament in Vienna, the current world number 2 addressed the scrutiny he has faced, indicating that opinions from past detractors no longer concern him.
With Jannik Sinner sidelined due to injury, Zverev is positioned to reach the top of the ATP rankings, making him just the second German man to accomplish the feat since the computerized rankings began in 1973. While Boris Becker previously questioned aspects of his play, including how often he bounces the ball prior to delivering a second serve, the three-time Wimbledon winner has recently praised Zverev’s accomplishments.
Disregard for past commentary
During his pre-tournament remarks in Vienna, Zverev did not mention Becker by name but made clear that negative assessments over recent seasons have had little effect on his mindset.
Addressing the criticism, Zverev said, “Only one person has ever criticised me, and to be honest, I’m not very interested in his opinion over the last few years. Because every time he’s said something, the exact opposite has happened.”
Becker had previously expressed frustration with Zverev’s serving habits following the US Open, stating on the Becker-Petkovic podcast, “I have one criticism of Sascha Zverev. That constant tapping of the ball on his second serve, come on!”
Becker defends Zverev’s ranking milestone
Despite their past friction, Becker recently voiced strong support for his countryman’s rise to the top spot. Becker commended Zverev for reaching the milestone, stating, “Congratulations to Sascha Zverev. He has entered a very illustrious circle, let’s say, a very special club, the club of 30, the 30th No. 1 in the world since the early 70s.” He added, “Congratulations, because nothing is given to you for free.”
Becker also pushed back against critics who suggested that absences by top competitors like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz diminished the achievement, labeling such talk as “total nonsense”. Emphasizing the sustained effort required, Becker explained, “It’s a tough job, you can’t just play one tournament, you have to be the best player in the world for months on end. He has literally earned it through his own hard work. He really found his game through fighting for it.”
Targeted approach pays dividends
Zverev’s 2026 campaign featured Grand Slam victories at both the French Open in June and the US Open in September. The German explained that his success was built on a careful scheduling strategy designed with his team to ensure peak performance at the sport’s biggest stages.
Reflecting on that plan, Zverev stated, “I chose where I wanted to be in top form. There were tournaments where I wasn’t in top form and still won my matches. But I was definitely in top form at the Grand Slams this year; I did a good job with my team.”
Even with questions remaining about head-to-head records against Sinner, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, Zverev’s consistency and major titles have positioned him to join Becker as Germany’s only ATP world number 1 players.
ATP Vienna - Alexander Zverev's projected path
Alexander Zverev in 2026
Ranked no.2 (career-high), the German played his last match on the 17th of October when he surrendered to world no.15 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 5-7 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Shanghai (draw).
This season the German has a 62-16 win-loss record. Alexander clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the French Open and U.S. Open.
