Boris Becker believes Alexander Zverev’s confidence has been shaken up lately and the reason behind the 27-year-old’s struggles is “not feeling convinced” in his game anymore.
After starting the year with eight consecutive wins, the world No. 2 was ousted by Jannik Sinner in the title match at Melbourne Park. Afterward, the German tennis star didn’t hide how crushed he was, even openly admitting that the Italian was better in all departments and that he wasn’t good enough.
Since then, Zverev has appeared in five tournaments and has gone only 6-5. During that stretch, he picked up several stunning losses, picking up defeats to the likes of Francisco Cerundolo, Francisco Comesana, Learner Tien, Tallon Griekspoor and Arthur Fils.
When Sinner received a suspension, the expectation was that the German and Carlos Alcaraz would be the main contenders for the titles until May. But this year’s Australian Open runner-up hasn’t come anywhere near landing a title in the last two months.
Becker: Zverev is not convinced of himself at the moment
“I always start with it, with the mental attitude, he is not as convinced of himself at the moment as he was in Melbourne or as he was at the end of last year,” the former six-time Grand Slam champion said on the Becker-Petkovic podcast.
The German tennis legend thinks as soon as Zverev can regain his mental level, he will return to being his usual self.
“That’s something where I think a little that he just has to look there, who can take him further, who can help him there, because ultimately for me that is the difference between victory and defeat with him at the moment,” Becker added.
Some also suspect that once Sinner got suspended and Zverev had a clear path to becoming the world No. 1 for the first time in his career, the 27-year-old started to feel massive pressure and simply didn’t manage to handle it well.
