Jimmy Connors says world number one Zverev has an obligation

Jimmy Connors believes Alexander Zverev has an “obligation” to play like a two-time Grand Slam champion, especially given the criticism the new world number one has faced. Zverev won the French Open and the US Open in 2026, but his showing this year, with a 3-9 record against top-10 players, has raised doubts about his new ranking.

The German benefited from Carlos Alcaraz’s absence of more than four months with a knee injury, while Jannik Sinner has also been out since mid-July with a similar problem. After his early exit from the Paris Masters against Lorenzo Musetti, Zverev expressed his frustration, saying: “Reaching world number one is something I think every player dreams of, but I feel I’m the only number one in tennis history who has to explain why it’s acceptable for me to be number one. It’s hard because I think I deserve to be where I am, even having lost today. I don’t think anyone has had to explain themselves as much as I have in recent days, which, for me, is annoying, to be honest.”

Connors, one of the greatest competitors in tennis history and a winner of eight Grand Slams, spoke about Zverev’s situation on his show “Advantage Connors”. He said he hopes the big German does not become complacent with his two titles and stressed the importance of continuing to fight for more. “I’m happy for Zverev and the way he played. He now has an obligation, to the game and to himself, to play like a two-time Grand Slam champion. Every time. I’m saying this from the heart. I like him. I had the chance to hand him the trophy at the US Open, which was incredible and emotional. I hope he doesn’t let himself get to a point of contentment. He’s got two, so go after the third. Get the third, go for the fourth. As long as he’s in the game and playing at this level, he should be in the fight to be a Grand Slam champion. And I hope he does.”

If Zverev can follow Connors’ advice and channel his competitiveness, he could add to his collection of Grand Slam titles and cement his place in the history of the sport even further.