Sinner, Zverev or Alcaraz? Roger Federer gives his verdict on the best player in the world

Friday, 25 September 2026 at 10:01

Roger Federer has weighed in on the debate over the best player in men's tennis, with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev all making strong cases in very different ways during the 2026 season.

Sinner remains world No. 1 despite being sidelined since Wimbledon with a right knee injury. Zverev has won two Grand Slam titles this season, while Alcaraz is preparing for the Laver Cup after returning from a five-month injury absence at the US Open.

Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the Laver Cup, Federer was asked who he considers the best player in the world right now. His answer came after a season in which Sinner produced an extraordinary run of results, while Alcaraz and Zverev have also strengthened their claims.

Sinner's extraordinary Masters run

Sinner's 2026 campaign included five consecutive Masters 1000 titles, with victories at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. Because he had also won the Paris Masters at the end of 2025, the Italian put together a run of six consecutive Masters 1000 titles.

He also won Wimbledon and entered the US Open with a 44-3 record for the season before his knee problem forced him to withdraw from the tournament. Sinner has not played since Wimbledon and will also miss the Laver Cup.

Those numbers were central to Federer's assessment. “I mean, I'd say maybe it's even Sinner, just because out of the sheer dominance that he had in the Masters 1000s, he played great until his injury," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said to TNT Sports. "Now, what does the injury matter with his level of play? I think when he does show up, he's been the best. That's why also his ranking is right there."

Zverev has meanwhile enjoyed the biggest Grand Slam breakthrough of his career. After winning his maiden major at Roland Garros, the German reached the Wimbledon final before claiming his second Grand Slam title at the US Open.

His victory over Ben Shelton in New York made Zverev a two-time major champion and gave him two Grand Slam titles in the same season. He enters the Laver Cup as the world No. 2, behind Sinner. “And Sascha is now finally where we all hoped he would be one day as being a Grand Slam champion."

Alcaraz returns for Laver Cup

Alcaraz's 2026 season has followed a different path. The Spaniard won the Australian Open but was then forced to miss several months because of a wrist injury.

He finally returned at the US Open, winning three matches before losing to Shelton in the quarter-finals in five sets. The Laver Cup will now be his second tournament since returning to competition.

Federer believes Alcaraz's highest level still gives him a compelling argument. “Now we also know that when Carlos is at his absolute best, that maybe he is, and I might argue that he is the best player out there. And I think he knows that as well."

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The Swiss also acknowledged that Zverev could have a particularly strong argument in a matchup right now, given Alcaraz's recent return from injury.

“And now you could argue that maybe right now, if there was a matchup, that maybe he would be the guy because also Carlos is coming back from injury and Sascha. So I think it's a debate, but I think just from the year that Sinner has had, I'd say he's super, super tough. Yeah,” Federer said.

Roger Federer reveals his pick for the best player in tennis right now 👑🎾 pic.twitter.com/tJt2khRgkh
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) September 24, 2026

Sinner's absence means he will not be able to add to his case at the Laver Cup, leaving Zverev and Alcaraz to represent Team Europe in London.

The German arrives with two majors in 2026, while Alcaraz will be looking to build on his US Open comeback. For Federer, however, Sinner's remarkable consistency before his injury has made the debate particularly difficult to ignore.

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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