$431 per second and a seven-match losing streak: Becker’s warning to Zverev

At the Six Kings Grand Slam exhibition, Zverev lost to American No.1 Fritz 3-6, 4-6, continuing his awkward losing streak against him in big events. Yet what caught more attention than the defeat was the substantial prize money of $1.5 million he received. Media quickly did the math: in this 58-minute match, Zverev earned an average of $431 every second.

On one side is a glittering bank account, on the other a persistent struggle on court—Zverev finds himself at a deeply divided crossroads. Tennis legend and former Djokovic coach Becker bluntly pointed out the serious crisis beneath this glamorous surface.

Becker once held very high expectations for Zverev. He admitted in commentary, “I thought after Wimbledon’s break, his performance in the summer events would improve. I believed he was knocking on the doors of Sinner and Alcaraz and would become the third force in men’s tennis.”

This was a common consensus. With Alcaraz and Sinner emerging and forming a new-old rivalry with Djokovic, Zverev, with his powerful serve and baseline strength, was seen as the most likely candidate to break the duopoly. Yet, expectations repeatedly fell short.

“But at this stage,” Becker shifted tone, delivering a judgment many reluctantly accept, “the 38-year-old Djokovic is the real third force.” This is both a tribute to the veteran legend and a harsh critique of Zverev’s current state. Even nearing forty, despite some fluctuations, Djokovic’s level and threat remain far beyond Zverev’s reach. Becker added, “Zverev is still searching for his best form.” Behind this statement lies disappointment over his ongoing stagnation.

Beyond tactical analysis, Becker also targeted a more sensitive area—Zverev’s team. In his view, the root of the problem might extend beyond the court.“His player’s box has issues too,” Becker said frankly, “it’s only his father and brother, the same faces for years.”

In today’s highly professional and specialized tennis world, top players’ teams usually include head coaches, fitness trainers, physiotherapists, and tactical analysts. A team made up solely of close family, while offering unmatched trust and stability, may risk fixed thinking and difficulty introducing fresh tactical ideas. Becker’s opinion suggests Zverev may need to step out of his comfort zone and inject new professional expertise into his team to meet increasingly complex competition demands.

Becker did not completely dismiss Zverev; his remarks were more of a wake-up call. “If everything goes well, I’ll be the first to congratulate him and say: We have a superstar now! But I do have some worries about what comes next.”

“$431 per second” proves Zverev’s commercial value and elite ability, but without matching, consistent top-level results, this high income is like a dazzling bubble. The huge prize money from exhibitions cannot hide his embarrassing seven-match losing streak to the American No.1 in Grand Slams, Finals, and Masters events.

Zverev undoubtedly has all the talent to become a superstar, but he stands at a crucial crossroads. Should he continue slowly under family shelter, or bravely transform by bringing in new perspectives to break through? Becker has already pointed out the issues. Now, the choice is in Zverev’s hands. The battle for tennis’s “third force” continues, but the time left for Zverev may not be as ample as he imagines.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)