Alexander Zverev is pushing back against the sharp criticism of his recent performances, rejecting the label of the “worst No. 2 in history.” The German tennis star, currently ranked second in the world, finds this judgment unfair amid a challenging season.
After a strong start at the Australian Open, where he reached the final before falling to Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Zverev hinted at retirement, surprising many fans and experts. Following that, he has struggled with form, which he attributes to mental exhaustion and insufficient recovery time. “I felt mentally burnt out,” Zverev admitted, explaining his dip in performance.
Despite these hurdles, Zverev remains focused and confident about his ambitions. “I believe I can reach No. 1. It feels like some journalists like to exaggerate. After these tough months, it’s as if I’m being labeled the worst No. 2 ever,” he said.
The 28-year-old pointed out that other top players, such as and Carlos Alcaraz, also face their own challenges. “I’m here because I’ve won tournaments and earned my results. The rankings don’t lie,” he emphasized, holding firmly to his goal.
Among the criticisms, Zverev can still look back on significant achievements this year. He secured the ATP title in Munich, although his run at the Madrid Masters ended in the round of 16. Demonstrating his focus, Zverev also recently made an unusual stop during the Madrid tournament to use his phone, highlighting the pressures athletes face off the court.
Looking ahead, Zverev arrives in Rome as the defending champion of the Masters 1000 tournament. With a first-round bye, he is optimistic about regaining his best form. “I will find my tennis again for the big tournaments,” he promised. The coming weeks will reveal if Zverev can silence his critics and return to peak performance.