“I need to improve on those things”: Alexander Zverev highlights where he must improve to compete with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz for major titles, top spot in ATP rankings
Germany’s Alexander Zverev has outlined the key areas he aims to improve in the near future. The 27-year-old is already considered one of the top players in men’s singles tennis but is determined to take his game to the next level.
Currently competing in the Rio Open, Zverev has secured a spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6.
Speaking after the match, Zverev emphasized his ambition to claim major titles and challenge for the world No. 1 ranking—an achievement that, he admits, separates him from Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. “My goal is to compete with Jannik and Carlos for the biggest titles and the world No. 1 ranking,” he said. “There are aspects of their game that are better than mine, and I need to improve in those areas.”
Zverev had a strong start to his 2025 season but endured a heartbreaking loss in the Australian Open final, falling to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.
This marked the third time Zverev has fallen short in a Grand Slam final. In 2020, he suffered a narrow defeat against Dominic Thiem in a five-set thriller at the US Open, losing 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6. More recently, in 2024, he came up short against Carlos Alcaraz in another grueling five-set final at the French Open, with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
His struggles in major tournaments extend beyond finals. At the 2024 Australian Open, Zverev bowed out in the semifinals against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, despite winning the first two sets, ultimately losing 5-7, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3.
As Zverev continues his pursuit of Grand Slam glory and the top ranking, his focus remains on refining his game to match the consistency and dominance of his biggest rivals.
