“Why weren't they there?” — Alexander Zverev’s brother fires back at Grand Slam critics

Friday, 25 September 2026 at 10:05

Alexander Zverev's brother Mischa has come to the German's defence after questions were raised about the value of his two Grand Slam titles this season, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz absent at different stages of the year. The 29-year-old has now won Roland Garros and the US Open, turning 2026 into the most successful season of his career.

Zverev's breakthrough has nevertheless come with an obvious layer of context. Sinner lost early at Roland Garros before recovering to win Wimbledon but then missed the US Open. Alcaraz, meanwhile, missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon because of injury before returning for the US Open, where he reached the quarter-finals and lost to Ben Shelton.

That has inevitably led to comparisons with the two players who have dominated the men's game in recent years. Sinner and Alcaraz have repeatedly occupied the top two positions in the sport and collected the majority of the biggest titles, while Zverev spent years knocking on the door without being able to convert his opportunities at Grand Slam level.

The German's 2026 season has now changed that narrative completely. He won his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, reached another major final at Wimbledon before losing to Sinner, and then returned to New York to claim his second Grand Slam of the year with a four-set victory over Shelton.

Mischa Zverev defends his brother

Mischa Zverev was asked directly about the criticism surrounding his brother's US Open triumph, including suggestions that Sinner's absence and Alcaraz's recent return from injury had made the path easier.

He rejected the idea that either circumstance should diminish what Alexander achieved in New York. “Why weren't they there? Because they were injured,” he said to SPORT1. “Why do people get injured? Because they simply aren't strong enough or because they pushed themselves too hard. Because they didn't recover properly when they needed to. There is always a reason. It wasn't simply that they didn't want to be there.”

Alexander Zverev holding a trophy while smiling

Alexander Zverev GER with US Open Trophy after beating Ben Shelton

The response comes after a season in which Zverev has finally converted the opportunities that repeatedly slipped away from him. Before 2026, he had reached three Grand Slam finals without winning one. He lost the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Thiem after leading by two sets to love, then fell to Alcaraz in the 2024 Roland Garros final before Sinner defeated him in the 2025 Australian Open final.

His first major title finally arrived in Paris this year, where he defeated Flavio Cobolli in the final. The victory was followed by another deep run at Wimbledon, where Sinner stopped him in the final, before Zverev produced another title-winning run at the US Open.

Mischa also pointed to his brother's experience and longevity compared with the younger generation, arguing that being older does not automatically put a player at a disadvantage.

“In that sense, you have to say: Look, Sascha is older than the other players, but he is there, he is fit. You have to tell these younger players: Yes, a younger engine doesn't necessarily run better. So I don't see how this can be minimized at all.”

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton smiling

Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States pose for photos during the awarding ceremony after their men's singles final match at the 2026 US Open

Zverev now has another major target

The achievements also need to be viewed against the wider hierarchy of men's tennis. Sinner and Alcaraz remain the two players most frequently identified as the dominant figures of their generation, but Zverev has now produced a season that puts him firmly into the conversation at the very top.

The German has not defeated Sinner or Alcaraz in either of his Grand Slam title runs this year, but he has also gone further than he had managed in previous seasons when competing against the same generation. His Wimbledon final showed that he could compete for the biggest titles against Sinner, while the US Open gave him the chance to claim a second major without either of the sport's two biggest young stars standing in his way.

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There is also a potential prize beyond the Grand Slam titles. Zverev is now looking towards the world No.1 ranking, something that appeared increasingly difficult to imagine while Sinner and Alcaraz were establishing their dominance.

When SPORT1 asked Mischa whether reaching No.1 was now the obvious objective, he acknowledged that it was still within reach. “There are many goals in life. But yes, on paper, that is a goal that could still be achieved,” the former world No.25 said. “Unfortunately, you never know. But the possibility exists. We are working towards it and we'll see what happens.”

The timing makes the possibility particularly interesting. Zverev is currently leading the ATP Race by 700 points over Sinner, meaning the gap in the rankings is set to narrow over the coming weeks. With the ATP Finals and the final stretch of the season still ahead, the battle between the two could become a closely contested one as the year draws to a close.

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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