Zverev keen to team up with Becker

Alexander Zverev has said that he would like to work with Boris Becker, but cannot afford the fees of Novak Djokovic’s former coach. The 19-year-old German, who beat Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup before falling to Rafael Nadal in the third round of the Australian Open, hopes to “win some tournaments” so that he can team up with his fellow German in the future.

“Boris could definitely help me to improve my game,” Zverev told German magazine Bild. “But if I want to work with him, first I have to win some tournaments because at the moment I cannot afford it.

“So if I wanted to do it, I would have to wait at least a couple of years.”

Zverev is currently coached by his father. He also travels extensively with his brother Mischa, who reached the quarterfinals of last month’s Australian Open.

Becker, meanwhile, took up a position on the Eurosport commentary team after splitting with Novak Djokovic following three successful seasons with the former world No.1.

The six-time Major champion appeared to rule out a swift return to coaching, saying that he is comfortable in his role as commentator: “Obviously, as I was in Melbourne I contacted several managers and players, but at the moment I am happy with my work on TV and not looking anything else.”