Alexander Zverev chooses Jannik Sinner over Carlos Alcaraz – “In terms of tennis, he is the best in the world”
ATP
As the young stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos
Alcaraz captured attention in 2024, Alexander Zverev was the player who came
closest to dominating the next generation. The German finished the year as
world No. 2, ahead of Alcaraz, despite having a season that fell short compared
to the Spaniard's.
Zverev was the closest competitor to both
Alcaraz and Sinner in 2024, reaching the final of the French Open, winning the
Masters 1000 titles at the Rome Open and Paris Masters, and making appearances
in several semifinals of major tournaments, including Miami, Cincinnati, the
Australian Open, and the ATP Finals.
“I’ve known him since he was a young boy”
Meanwhile, the Italian Sinner finished the year
as the undisputed No. 1, with an outstanding season of 73 wins and only 6
losses, along with 8 titles, including his first Grand Slam titles at the
Australian Open and US Open, plus 3 additional Masters 1000 titles. On the
other hand, Alcaraz claimed four titles, including the Channel Slam at Roland
Garros and Wimbledon.
Sinner's dominance in 2024 had one major
hurdle: his biggest rival so far, Alcaraz. The Spaniard won all three
encounters between them this season, handing Sinner half of his six losses in
2024.
First, Alcaraz triumphed in the semifinals of
Indian Wells in March, winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 on his way to the title.
Similarly, two months later, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the semifinals of
Roland Garros 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, on his way to winning the French Open.
Finally, Alcaraz beat Sinner in the final of the Beijing Open, avenging their
semifinal clash in the same tournament the previous year.
Alcaraz defeated Sinner in China Open final by 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3).
Recently, Alexander Zverev reflected on the
incredible seasons of Sinner and Alcaraz in an interview with Tennis Magazine,
and after observing both players up close, he chose the Italian as the current
world No. 1.
“I’ve known him [Sinner] since he was 16 or 17
years old. He trained with Riccardo Piatti near Monte Carlo. Whenever it
rained, we went there because there was a hall there. So I’ve known him since
he was a young boy at the academy,” Zverev recalled. “In terms of tennis, he
absolutely deserves to be number one in the world. He has won two Grand Slam
titles, three Masters titles, and the ATP Finals. He is the best player in the
world, he has won the most titles.”
“Carlos is someone I really get on well with.
We’ve had some special moments together, playing the biggest matches against
each other on the court and spending a bit more time together off the court.
That’s what has developed. Every time we play, and every time we’ve played this
year, it’s been very high level with a lot of entertainment to watch, and it’s
just fun to be on the court with him,” Zverev said.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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