Zverev’s secret to challenging Alcaraz and Sinner on the big stages | ATP Tour

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Zverev’s secret on how to challenge Alcaraz and the Sinner

The German beat the Spaniard on Friday in Turin

November 15, 2024

Has Alexander Zverev found the formula to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for Grand Slam titles in 2025?

After defeating Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz to reach the Nitto ATP Finals semi-finals undefeated, he was asked what he could do to repeat his Friday win over Sinner and Alcaraz more often.

“I think these guys are just playing offense 90 percent of the time. It’s about keeping up with them offensively and also being able to keep up with their groundstrokes. This is the most important thing. Don’t give up, do your best in the moments that matter most.”

“That’s probably where I had problems in my career too: trusting my shots and making them when needed. Personally, I think I still have work to do on this. I hope next year will be even better.”

Zverev showed excellent shooting ability this week in Turin to finish top of John Newcombe’s group 3-0. The 27-year-old, an ATP Masters 1000 champion in Rome and Paris this year, struggled to keep up with Alcaraz on Friday whenever the Spaniard improved his game. Zverev now leads the Lexus ATP Head2Head with a 6-5 score between them.

“I think there were some ridiculous moments at the end of the tiebreak,” Zverev reflected. “That’s what’s happening with Carlos. He may not be playing at his best, although I thought he played phenomenally today. I’m just saying that sometimes he doesn’t play at his best level. Suddenly, at the most important moments, he becomes a different person.”

“All of a sudden you can’t hit the winner. Suddenly he hits every shot on the line. You could put a coin in there and he would hit it. “That’s what makes him one of the best players in the world.”

“He also did the same in the tiebreaker. He made two ridiculous passes, one forehand and one backhand, which were incredible. “Honestly, I think the failure was crazy.”

Zverev could have another chance to test his “total attack” theory this week at the Nitto ATP Finals, where he and Sinner could meet in a championship match. But first, the two-time tournament champion must defeat Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. If Zverev wins, he will become the first men’s singles player to reach 70 wins in a season since Andy Murray achieved 78 wins in 2016.

“Of course it’s nice to have such a big number, but it’s not something you think about too much,” said Zverev, who has yet to miss his serve this week in Turin, when asked about the milestone. “I think personally I’m thinking about trying to win major tournaments, trying to improve for next year to be able to compete with Carlos and Yannick. That’s what’s on my mind the most.”

“But I’m in the semi-finals and I’m happy about it. I have the opportunity to play again against Taylor, who beat me the last (three) times we played, at Wimbledon, the US Open (and the Laver Cup). I’m looking forward to this game.”