Alexander Zverev drops a bombshell in the tennis world: Alcaraz is “one step behind” Jannik Sinner!
In the midst of a frantic ATP season, Alexander Zverev has not been intimidated and has once again shaken up the tennis landscape with explosive statements. The German player, currently the second seed at Roland Garros, bluntly stated that Carlos Alcaraz, the rising Spanish star, is “one step behind” Jannik Sinner, contradicting the opinions of many experts and fans.
“There is a big difference between Jannik Sinner and everyone else at the moment. It’s simple,” Zverev declared in an interview on the MacZone program, hosted by the legendary John and Patrick McEnroe. “And I think there is also a big difference between Carlos Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak Djokovic, and the rest of the players. Right now, I see two big gaps in the circuit.”
These words sparked a wave of criticism, including from figures like Andy Roddick, who vehemently disagree with the hierarchy outlined by Zverev. However, the German remains steadfast in his assessment, assuming that his current position in the rankings and the physical condition of his opponents are decisive factors in his analysis.
“Everyone knows that Jannik is at the top right now, but I believe — and I really have to believe — that I can beat him. Despite the quick losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, I wasn’t at my best in those matches. If I can play at the level I want, as I sometimes can against Carlos, I have a real chance. And that’s what I need to keep in my head,” emphasized the German.
Zverev also explained that his observations are based on the present moment and not a comparison of careers: “Carlos is injured, Novak hasn’t played since Indian Wells. Of course, I’m not comparing myself to them over the course of their careers, that would be absurd. But, at the current level, here at Roland Garros, I’m the second highest ranked and I have to believe that I can defeat the best.”
With Alcaraz’s absence from the French tournament due to injury, Zverev has ascended to the second spot in the draw, allowing him to avoid a clash with Sinner until the final, opening a golden door for him to reach his first Grand Slam final since the 2025 Australian Open.
The German started his campaign with a convincing victory over Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets and is now preparing to face Tomas Machac in the second round. His path could cross with names like Karen Khachanov, Ugo Humbert, and, in a possible quarter-final stage, Rafael Nadal – who will face Taylor Fritz, who was eliminated early by the young Nishesh Basavareddy.
This Roland Garros promises to be decisive for Zverev, who, despite a season full of ups and downs, does not hide his ambition to return to the top and prove that he is far from just another name among the new generation of tennis. And, with his bold statements, Alexander Zverev sends a warning: in the mental game, he is already one step ahead.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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