Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev laughs it off: “It’s something I have in mind”

Alexander Zverev is no longer holding back. After finally winning the first Grand Slam title of his career, the German is setting his sights on the top of the ATP rankings with greater confidence. The gap between him and Jannik Sinner has narrowed, and his current ranking position allows him to nurture an ambition that, until just a few months ago, seemed much more out of reach.

“Competing for the top spot in the rankings? I think that’s a goal for anyone. I think at the start of the season everyone expected the battle to be between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, so I’m really happy to have joined that conversation myself (laughs, ed.). It’s something I have in mind,” Zverev said at a press conference.

“I think I’ve said this many times this year: the only thing I can control is playing good tennis, performing at my best on the court, trying to stay in good physical and mental shape, and doing everything possible to prepare myself as well as I can. Everything else will follow. There are things I can control and others that are beyond my control… There are several factors at play. I’ll simply try to focus on winning the matches I can win,” added the world No. 2.

“After winning Roland Garros, the way I approach things has changed, because I feel like I’ve already won one. Right after the French Open, I reached the final at Wimbledon and really felt I could win again. Before winning my first Grand Slam—especially at my age; I’m 29—you wonder whether you’ll ever make it or not,” the German concluded.