Zverev returns to No 2 spot, but admits: “Jannik had the best year this season, then Carlos”

Alexander Zverev is confirmed to return to the world No 2 spot after beating Holger Rune in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters, leapfrogging Carlos Alcaraz. The German first achieved the career-high ranking in the rankings back in June 2022, where he suffered a heartbreaking ankle injury v Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.

The German arrives at that ranking due to impressive performances across multiple big tournaments, making the final of Roland Garros, the semi-finals of the Australian Open, and winning the Rome Masters title.

However, the two-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that he feels that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have had a better year, despite going ahead of the latter in the live rankings:

“It’s nice to be back at the highest position that I have been so far. Of course I want to get higher, but for me still Jannik has the best year this season, for sure, and then Carlos had the second-best year. He won two Grand Slams. I know that I’m ahead of him in the rankings maybe, but for me he won Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Those are two massive titles. So they are still the two best players in the world, in my opinion, at the moment.”

Jannik has the best year this season, for sure, and then Carlos had the second-best year.

Zverev on reaching No 2

When asked about what has separated Alcaraz and Sinner from him this season, Zverev stated:

“I feel like they are so aggressive. I think tennis is going towards that direction. I think when they get an easy ball, when they’re in an attacking position, 90% of the time the point is over, whether it’s a winner or an unforced error. That’s how hard they hit the ball, that’s how aggressive they are. I think in that aspect I can improve. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

The German will take on Karen Khachanov or Ugo Humbert on Sunday in the final of the Rolex Paris Masters.

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