World no. 2 Alexander Zverev will lead the bottom half at the upcoming Australian Open. Last year's semi-finalist will try to take two more steps and claim his first Major title at 27. The German has been among the world's best players since 2017.
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He conquered Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals. However, Alexander has yet to solve the riddle at Majors and lift a notable trophy. Six-time Major winner Boris Becker believes time is running out for his compatriot!
The legendemphasizedthat Zverev must capitalize on his opportunities at the most notable scenewithin the next 18 months. Addressed Zverevs situation candidly, Becker believes world no. 2 is at the age where he has to make a push and win a Major.
If that does not happen in the next two years, Becker drastically decreases Zverev's chances. Alexander is not far away from Major success. However, Beckerbelieves Zverev must uncover the elusive one percent to break through at the highest level.
Boris would love to see Alexander hire a super coachwho could help refine his mental game and deliver the right strategy in the latter stages at Majors. Alexander turns 28 in April, and the clock ticks ahead of a pivotal chapter in his career.
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Whether Zverevcan rise to the challenge and fulfill his potential remains one of the most compelling narratives in mens tennis. He could not stop Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in 2024, although he came mighty close to securinghis spot under the sun in Paris.
Alexander served for a Major title at the 2020 US Open against Dominic Thiem. However, he could not bring the win home, experiencing a heartbreaking loss and extending his Major agony. The German got another chance at last year's Roland Garros.
He advanced to his second Major final and faced Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash. Zverev gave everything in a 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 loss in four hours and 19 minutes, finishing runner-up despite a massive effort.
The German was there to challenge the Spaniard in the opening three sets. He lost the opener before embracing two excellent streaks, rattling off five games two times and moving a set away from a Major glory.
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However, Carlos raised his level from the fourth set, reducing his rival to three games in the final chapter of the duel and lifting a trophy. Alexander provided six breaks, mostly in sets two and three. He dropped 45% of the points in his games.
Alcaraz provided nine breaks from 16 chances, leaving the third set behind and dominating sets four and five. Will Zverev become a Major winner in 2025? Only time will tell, butthat's his greatest wish.
World no. 2 needs that final touch in the closing stages at Majors, and we might see that already in Australia if the stars collide for him.
