Boris Becker rejects criticism, says Alexander Zverev deserves world number 1 title

Boris Becker unequivocally defends Alexander Zverev amid growing criticism questioning the German star’s claim to the world No. 1 spot. Becker insists that Zverev has earned the top ranking “rightfully and with full merit,” dismissing detractors who argue otherwise.

Set to become only the second German after Becker himself to reach the pinnacle of the ATP rankings, 29-year-old Zverev will join an elite group as the 30th player to achieve world No. 1 since the ranking system’s inception. Becker, who held the No. 1 position for a total of 12 weeks during his career, lauded Zverev’s accomplishment during the latest episode of the Becker-Petkovic podcast. “Congratulations to Sascha Zverev. He has entered a truly prestigious circle, a very special club—the club of 30, the thirty players who have become world No. 1 since the early 1970s,” Becker remarked.

Highlighting the grueling nature of sustaining top form, Becker emphasized that Zverev’s rise is no fluke. “Nothing is given to you; it’s hard work. You can’t just win one tournament—you have to be the best player in the world for months on end. He literally earned it through dedication and hard work,” he stated. Becker added that the consistency Zverev displayed at the start of the season already signaled a renewed level of performance compared to the previous year.

Becker strongly rejected claims that Zverev’s ascension was aided by the injuries sidelining top contenders Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “The injuries to Alcaraz and Sinner are an unusual circumstance because Sascha was No. 3, but the No. 1 and No. 2 players were both forced to stop for months. That’s not his fault. He can only beat the opponents he faces on court, and he has done that better than anyone else,” Becker insisted.

Backing Zverev’s credentials, Becker recalled his two Grand Slam titles and a Wimbledon final appearance this season as clear evidence of his worthiness. “When you win two Grand Slams and reach a Wimbledon final, you have more than proven you deserve it,” he said.

Addressing critics who point to Zverev’s head-to-head records against rivals—zero wins against Sinner (0-5), Alcaraz (0-1), and Djokovic (0-1) this year—Becker dismissed such arguments as “absolute nonsense.” He concluded, “He fights, he plays, he works, and now he is, rightfully and fully deservedly, the new world No. 1.”

Becker’s staunch defense of Zverev not only silences doubters but also cements the German’s status atop the sport’s hierarchy, marking a new chapter in his career and German tennis history.