Roland Garros Tournament - "Positive vibes": Becker motivates Zverev before the finale.
Former tennis player Boris Becker provided support to Alexander Zverev before his final match against Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open.
Becker told Eurosport, "The first thing I said was, 'No matter what you do, keep at it.' The most crucial thing is to be courageous and display to your opponent and the world that you're determined to win, not just to play."
Becker observed this attitude in Zverev (27), who aims to secure his first Grand Slam championship during the afternoon contest (14:30 UHR/Eurosport) against Alcaraz (21). "He appeared very composed and intent. He was still enjoying the match," said Becker. "You could've already celebrated, but for him, it's the pinnacle achievement at Roland Garros - but none of that. He was completely focused." This is why Becker feels optimistic about the final, he added.
Despite this, Becker won't watch the final in person on Court Philippe Chatrier. Instead, he'll return to Germany in the morning to fulfill his commentator role for the TV station Eurosport.
Zverev has the chance to become the first German player in the professional era to win a Grand Slam title on clay. Michael Stich lost to Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the 1996 final. Alcaraz has already won his two previous Grand Slam finals in 2022 at the US Open and in 2023 at Wimbledon.
Read also:
- Alexander Zverev's motivation before the final at the French Open was boosted by the words of international tennis legend Boris Becker.
- The French Open, also known as Roland Garros Tournament, saw a spirited match between Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz and German contestant Zverev.
- In an interview with Eurosport, Becker emphasized the importance of courage and determination, noting Zverev's composed demeanor during the match.
- Effectively channeling Becker's words, Zverev aimed to become the first German player in the professional era to secure a Grand Slam title on clay.
- The final match against Alcaraz was set to take place at 14:30 UHR on Eurosport, with both players looking to make history in the Grand Slam tournament.
- Previous Grand Slam tournament winners include Alcaraz, who clinched victories at the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023, while Zverev seeks to add Roland Garros to his achievements.
