“It's well deserved”: Carlos Alcaraz gives his verdict on Alexander Zverev becoming world No. 1

Monday, 26 October 2026 at 21:30

Alcaraz and Zverev hug after facing each other

Carlos Alcaraz has backed Alexander Zverev's credentials to finish the season as world No. 1, describing the German's achievement as thoroughly deserved ahead of the Vienna Open. The Spaniard praised his rival's consistency, physical condition and ability to maintain a high level throughout the demanding tennis calendar.

Alcaraz arrives in Vienna looking to regain his best form after spending five months out of competition with an injury earlier this year. While the seven-time Grand Slam champion has been working to rebuild his match rhythm, Zverev has demonstrated the consistency required to reach the top of the rankings.

The Spaniard's assessment was notable given the demands of competing at the highest level of men's tennis. Having faced Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic on tour, Alcaraz understands the challenge of sustaining elite performances across a full season rather than simply producing a handful of outstanding matches.

Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz explained why he believes Zverev deserves the recognition, highlighting the combination of tennis ability and physical durability that has allowed the German to remain competitive throughout the year.

Alcaraz explains why Zverev deserves world No. 1 status

Asked for his thoughts on Zverev finishing the year as world No. 1, Alcaraz was unequivocal in his response. “It's well deserved, to be honest,” the Spaniard said in press conference. “Because, you know, tennis is not only to step on the court and play, and try to play better, or the best player who played that day is the best. It is about the consistency you have during the whole year.”

Alcaraz emphasised that remaining competitive week after week is essential to finishing a season at the top of the rankings. He then identified the qualities that, in his view, set Zverev apart.

“There are some players who have better style, better level, and there are some players that have better physical conditions. And I would say Sascha has both,” Alcaraz explained. “Great level and great physical conditions.”

The Spaniard pointed to Zverev's ability to maintain his level throughout the calendar without being repeatedly disrupted by injuries or fatigue.

“Because he's able to play, you know, the whole year, making finals week after week, and not getting injured or not getting fatigued, and keep winning during the whole year,"

Alcaraz also expressed his happiness at seeing Zverev reach the milestone, acknowledging the effort the German had put into pursuing the achievement.

“All I can say is I'm just really happy about it, because I know how hard he's been, you know, chasing that achievement,” Alcaraz added. “And I would say it's a really well-deserved trophy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Erste Bank Open (ATP 500) (@erstebankopen)

Alcaraz focuses on rebuilding his own rhythm in Vienna

While praising Zverev's consistency, Alcaraz admitted that he still has work to do to return to his own best level after spending five months out of competition with an injury.

“I haven't played many competitions this year, and I need competition, I need tournament, I need rhythm to get my best level back,” the Spaniard said. “I'm happy with the way that I'm playing, with my level right now, but I feel like I'm still out of it.”

Alcaraz explained that competing in Vienna would give him the opportunity to practise and play against top-level opponents, helping him recover his rhythm step by step. He also acknowledged that he misses facing his biggest rivals more frequently, including Zverev, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.

“I miss playing these kind of matches. I miss watching them as well,” Alcaraz said. “And I think it's going to be really important for me the next time that I'm going to play against them.”

Read also

The Spaniard added that matches against those players reveal what he needs to work on when he returns to the practice court, making them particularly valuable as he attempts to regain his best form.

For now, Alcaraz is focused on getting more matches under his belt, while Zverev's consistency has earned the recognition of one of his biggest rivals.

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.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

Rafael Nadal to return to US courts for first time since retirement in Las Vegas exhibition

Jannik Sinner makes major coaching decision as Magnus Norman is named as Cahill's successor