Alexander Zverev fired back at Boris Becker over his remarks where he explained why the German is not so loved in his country. Zverev recently became the world No. 1, the first German since Becker in 1991 to do so; however, Becker feels the two-time Grand Slam champion isn’t very connected with German fans.
Becker gave some controversial reasons to back his claims, highlighting Zverev’s Russian Roots and silence on the Russia-Ukraine war.
“His parents are Russian and he speaks Russian with his team during matches,” Becker told Der Spiegel. “Plus, he doesn’t speak out publicly about the Ukraine war, something I can personally understand, but which evidently doesn’t help him win over the affection of the German public.”
Becker also said that Zverev is not so kind with German journalists; however, he presents himself in a completely different way while speaking to English media.
“In German interviews, he usually comes across as pretty dry and curt, and he’s not especially kind to journalists either,” Becker said. “However, when he speaks in English, he’s much more likable, has charm, a sense of humor, and knows how to laugh at himself.”
Becker suggested that Zverev needs to take initiative and show his charming persona if he wants to be loved in his own country.
“In private, I’ve met a charming and fun Sascha. I think he should open up more and let people get to know him. If he wants to be respected more and even liked, especially in his own country, he has to put in some effort himself.”
Zverev Hits Back
Zverev, however, wasn’t pleased with Becker’s remark and hit back at the legend, saying that Boris is talking a lot of nonsense. He added that Becker is looking for anything to put him down. He also said that he will never share any of his political views on social media.
“I think he’s talking a lot of nonsense, as usual. I don’t know what’s going on with him right now, but I have the feeling he has to comment on everything I do. I think he’s currently looking for anything to put me down a bit. He can do that, it’s his choice,” Zverev told the media.
“I found it strange that he thinks I should express my political views. I have a very clear opinion on that. Nobody has ever asked me about it. I’m not going to go on Instagram and post any comments. That’s not me, I’ve never done that, and I never will.”