Alexander Zverev says Stefanos Tsitsipas has paid him a ‘big compliment’ but Jannik Sinner may not agree
Alexander Zverev responded to the compliment from Stefanos Tsitsipas by referencing Jannik Sinner.
The German has enjoyed a steady 2024 season in which he climbed back to his career-high ranking of number two.
Zverev claimed his second title of the season at the Paris Masters by beating home favourite Ugo Humbert in straight sets.
Zverev now aims to end his season on a high by trying to win the ATP Finals for the third time in his career.
What does Alexander Zverev say about Stefanos Tsitsipas’ comments?
Alexander Zverev has gradually risen back up the rankings and found his best form in 2024.
He has claimed two titles, both of which came at Masters 1000 tournaments and he reached the second Grand Slam final of his career at the French Open.
During the Paris Masters Stefanos Tsitsipas referenced Zverev’s consistency this season, as the German has failed to reach the quarter-finals at a tournament on just four occasions.
The Greek player thinks Zverev has made the most improvement in his game in 2024, but the former Olympic champion thinks that honour belongs to World number one Jannik Sinner.
“I think Jannik Sinner has something to say against that (smiling). But I’m happy that he feels this way. That’s a big compliment for me from his side. So thank you to him for that,” Zverev said.
“But, I mean, I’m trying, I’m working on things, I’m trying different things, for sure. Tennis doesn’t stop, you know. You have to continue finding your ways to improve.
“You see by how Jannik and Carlos are playing right now, you know, tennis is becoming so fast and so aggressive that, yeah, you need to find ways to improve your game.”
What is Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record?
Zverev and Sinner are now the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour and they have played one another on six occasions.
The German has won four of those matches, including four in a row between 2020 and 2023 in Cologne, Monte Carlo and two at the US Open.
Their most recent meeting came at the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals, and it was a pulsating three-set encounter.
Sinner claimed two close tiebreaks to secure a 7-6(9) 5-7 7-6(4) win and went on to defeat Francis Tiafoe in the final.
