Zverev sends a message to Jannik Sinner: “A lot of people think so…”

Alexander Zverev, the future world No. 1, wanted to send a message to Jannik Sinner after his latest victory in Shanghai against the Frenchman Halys, whom he narrowly defeated in three sets. “My hiatus in 2022 was different from Sinner’s,” he told Sky. “My injury was sudden: I tore seven ligaments and broke two bones in my right ankle. I knew exactly what I needed to do to recover. It took me seven months to get back on the court—which, by the way, wasn’t that long—and then a year to get my game back.”

“I don’t think Sinner will need that much time, because he hasn’t broken anything. At least that’s my understanding. I think it’s right that he wants to take his time. With inflammation, it’s important to treat it properly so that it heals once and for all. These injuries tend to come back if they aren’t treated properly,” Sascha warned.

Zverev didn’t mince words about the Italian’s absence, which has propelled him to the top of the world tennis rankings: “I know many people think it’s good for me that he’s not on the tour. But I don’t see it that way—quite the opposite. I’m not that kind of person: I like competing against the best in the world, and even though Jannik has beaten me many times this year, I’d like him to be on the tour with me. I hope he can come back; he’s one of the best and deserves to be here.”

The German admitted to having ankle problems: “I started feeling pain in my right ankle, and that’s never a good sign. Ever since my injury in 2022, I’ve started to feel pain in my ankle when I push it too hard. I have to pace myself. It’s the end of the season, and we’re all tired.”