Alcaraz and Shelton even apologised to the 58-year-old for forgetting to mention him, and both paid tribute to him during their respective speeches. Afterwards, Becker spoke out about his feud with Zverev, downplaying things.

“Everything is being blown way out of proportion. A lot is being exaggerated, a lot of headlines. I don't need to add anything more to it,” the retired star told Eurosport Germany.

“Anyone who reads the whole interview in Der Spiegel will see that I wasn't disrespectful to Sascha. It's the best thing that could have happened to Germany, that we have such a true superstar. He's No. 1 in the world, he deserves it this year.”

In that Der Spiegel interview, Becker explained why he believed that Zverev was not too popular in their home of Germany. “His parents are Russian and he speaks Russian with his team during matches. Plus, he doesn't speak out publicly about the Ukraine war, something I can personally understand, but which evidently doesn't help him win over the affection of the German public,” the six-time Grand Slam winner suggested.

“In German interviews, he usually comes across as pretty dry and curt, and he's not especially kind to journalists either. However, when he speaks in English, he's much more likeable, has charm, a sense of humour, and knows how to laugh at himself.”

“I found it kind of strange that he thinks I have to express my political views. I'm not going to sit on Instagram and post long comments. That's not me, I've never done that, and I never will. I think he's just looking for anything right now to put me down a bit. He can do that, it's his decision.”

Zverev and Becker could run into each other at the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. The world No. 1 is competing in the season-ending championships for the ninth time, while the ATP has invited several former world No. 1s to its landmark tournament, so Becker may be there.