“Now it’s less”: Alexander Zverev admits chances of him becoming world number one diminishing after recent horrid run

Alexander Zverev Admits World No. 1 Hopes Are Fading Amid Poor Form

Germany’s Alexander Zverev has acknowledged that his chances of reaching the world No. 1 ranking are slipping away, citing his current poor form as the primary reason. Despite being considered one of the top players in men’s tennis, the 27-year-old has yet to secure a Grand Slam title.

Earlier this year, Zverev endured a crushing defeat in the 2025 Australian Open final, falling in straight sets to reigning world No. 1 Jannik Sinner (6-3, 7-6, 6-3). It marked the third time he had come up short in a Grand Slam final. In 2020, he lost to Dominic Thiem in a dramatic five-set US Open final (2–6, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6). More recently, in 2024, he was edged out by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in another five-set battle in the French Open final (6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2).

Despite these setbacks, Zverev had a golden opportunity to claim the top ranking following Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension for failing two doping tests in March last year. However, his performances have failed to capitalize on this opening, with early exits at the Argentina Open, Rio Open, Mexican Open, and most recently, the Indian Wells Masters.

Speaking to ATP, the world No. 2 admitted that his path to the top ranking is growing more unlikely, citing his struggles on court.

“It was a real possibility [becoming world No. 1] in the beginning,” Zverev admitted. “Now it’s less, because I’m just playing terribly. For me, I have to find my game before thinking about that. To become World No. 1, you have to win tournaments, and right now, I’m not getting past the first or second round. I need to figure that out first.”

Expressing his frustration, he added: “At the end of the day, I’m just not playing good tennis. It’s as simple as that. I’m nowhere near the level I played in Australia. I’m just disappointed with my game. That’s the No. 1 thing for me.”

With major tournaments ahead, including the Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters, and Madrid Open, Zverev will need to rediscover his form quickly if he hopes to turn things around and keep his world No. 1 aspirations alive.