Boris Becker: “Alcaraz is what the tennis world needed”

German tennis legend Boris Becker has high praise for Spain’s world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, calling him “a fascinating player” and “a true artist” on the court. Becker says he sees no real weaknesses in Alcaraz’s game—other than the fact that, like many creative players, he needs inspiration and high‑stakes challenges to stay fully engaged.

Becker, 58, and a member of the Laureus Academy—the group behind the annual Laureus World Sports Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of sports”—believes that Alcaraz and his main rival, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, represent a bright future for the ATP Tour.

“Alcaraz is a fascinating player. He’s exactly what the tennis world needed,” Becker said during a roundtable with international media, including EFE, ahead of the Laureus ceremony returning to Madrid on April 20. “He’s charismatic, a joy to watch, a true artist on the court.”

Alcaraz, Sinner, MotoGP world champion Marc Márquez, Swedish pole‑vault star Armand Duplantis, and Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar are among the nominees for Laureus Sportsman of the Year.

“He has no weakness”

For Becker, Alcaraz’s game is remarkably complete. “He doesn’t have a weakness,” he said. “But all artists need inspiration. He’s inspired by Sinner and by certain challenges. If matches come too easily, he might get a little bored.”

The three‑time Wimbledon champion—who also won two Australian Opens and one U.S. Open—believes the men’s tour could use “a couple more players” capable of joining Alcaraz and Sinner, who are 22 and 24 years old, respectively, at the top.

He mentioned his fellow German Alexander Zverev, 28 and ranked No. 3, but also highlighted rising talents such as France’s Arthur Fils (21 years old, world No. 28), who recently returned after nearly a year out with a back injury.

“I like the way he plays,” Becker said of Fils. “If he’s healthy, he could challenge Alcaraz and Sinner at the Grand Slams.”

He also pointed to American Learner Tien (20 years old, world No. 22) and Brazil’s João Fonseca (19 years old, world No. 40). “I rate Fonseca very highly. His future is bright too.”

Still, Becker warned the next generation that talent alone isn’t enough. “They need to improve their games. They need to show it when it matters—not on the practice court, not in a quarterfinal, but in the semifinals and finals of the big tournaments.”

“That’s where Alcaraz and Sinner are still in another league,” added Becker, who famously won Wimbledon at just 17 years and seven months old.

Becker says his coaching days are over

Asked whether he would consider coaching Fils or Fonseca if they approached him, Becker said that chapter of his life is closed, despite past high‑profile stints such as coaching Novak Djokovic.

“My time as a coach is over,” he said. “My phone is always open—if one of those guys calls, I’ll give them my perspective privately, but I won’t return as a coach.”

Becker is now focused on other professional roles, including his work with the Laureus Academy.

On the IOC’s decision and sports amid global conflict

Becker also commented on the International Olympic Committee’s recent decision to allow only biological women to compete in women’s events, effectively excluding transgender women. He expressed support for the ruling, saying: “I like the decision. It’s the right one. I’m open‑minded—people can change their sex. But in sports, if you’re born male and become female, you’re physically stronger. You have an advantage.”

He also urged that sports remain separate from geopolitical conflicts, including those involving Iran, the Middle East, and Ukraine.

“The power of sports has always been that it’s not political, and we should keep it that way,” Becker said. “There have been wars everywhere over the last hundred years. We don’t support the ‘good’ or the ‘bad’ depending on viewpoints. Athletes aren’t responsible for their governments’ decisions and shouldn’t be punished.”

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