Jannik Sinner: Alexander Zverev Speaks Out Again: “Unfortunately, that’s the way it is”

After his victory in the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters 1000 against Alexander Bublik, Alexander Zverev spoke again about his impending rise to the top of the ATP rankings. The German tennis player didn’t beat around the bush: “The fact that I’ve reached the top spot at the end of the year is due to Jannik Sinner’s absence—unfortunately, that’s just how it is.”

“It will certainly be a special moment for me,” Zverev continued, “but I think the emotions will really hit me when I actually see the number 1 next to my name. Right now, I’m still number 2.”

On his ankle issues: “In the last match, I started feeling pain in my ankle. Actually, everything was fine during the warm-up. I felt fine in the first set; the situation got worse as time went on, but I’ve never retired from a tennis match. It only happened once, in 2022 at Roland Garros—but there, I literally couldn’t walk. I don’t want to withdraw without a good reason; in the end, I fought through it, and I’m happy because I won.”

Despite his satisfaction with the milestone he’s about to reach, Zverev has repeatedly emphasized that he prefers a full tour. Earlier, after his victory over Halys, the German had stated: “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 to compete 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 there.”