Alexander Zverev picks Jannik Sinner as the ‘Best Player in the World’ ahead of Carlos Alcaraz

edberg volleys

Hall of Fame
Alexander Zverev has declared Jannik Sinner the “best player in the world,” choosing the Italian over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a bold statement that underscores Sinner’s stellar 2024 season. Despite Alcaraz’s accomplishments, Zverev’s argument is rooted in Sinner’s consistency.. The German star’s assessment comes after a season where Sinner and Alcaraz emerged as the leading forces in men’s tennis, each clinching two Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz won in their showdowns at Indian Wells, Roland Garros, and the China Open. He also made history by achieving the coveted ‘Channel Slam’ with back-to-back triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Yet Sinner finished the year as world #1, with an impressive 73-6 win-loss record and eight titles compared to Alcaraz’s four. Zverev occupies the second spot in the rankings after a year that included a Roland Garros final and Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Bercy.

According to Tennis Magazine, Zverev’s admiration for Sinner stems from their long-standing acquaintance. “I’ve known him [Sinner] since he was 16 or 17 years old,” Zverev shared, recalling their early training sessions near Monte Carlo under coach Riccardo Piatti. “Whenever it rained, we went there because there was a hall. So I’ve known him since he was a young boy at the academy.”

Highlighting Sinner’s achievements, Zverev added, “In terms of tennis, he absolutely deserves to be number one in the world. He has won two Grand Slam titles, three Masters titles, and the ATP Finals. He is the best player in the world; he has won the most titles.”

Despite favouring Sinner, Zverev also spoke fondly of Alcaraz. “Carlos is someone I really get on well with. We’ve had some special moments together, playing the biggest matches against each other on the court and spending a bit more time together off the court. That’s what has developed. Every time we play, it’s been a very high level with a lot of entertainment to watch, and it’s just fun to be on the court with him.”

While Zverev endorsed Sinner as the year’s top player, Alcaraz’s 2024 was extraordinary. The Spaniard’s head-to-head record against Zverev this season ended evenly at 2-2, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Indian Wells but falling to Zverev at the Australian Open and the ATP Finals. Notably, the pair also teamed up for doubles at the Laver Cup, showcasing a growing camaraderie.

In contrast, Zverev only faced Sinner once in 2024, losing in a tightly contested Cincinnati Open semi-final. Their head-to-head record now stands at 4-2 in Sinner’s favor. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s record against Sinner leans heavily in the Spaniard’s direction, with a 6-4 advantage, including victories in their last three encounters. However, Sinner’s year-end ranking and consistency throughout the season tipped the scales in his favor for Zverev.
 

Winner Sinner

Hall of Fame
Alexander Zverev has declared Jannik Sinner the “best player in the world,” choosing the Italian over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a bold statement that underscores Sinner’s stellar 2024 season. Despite Alcaraz’s accomplishments, Zverev’s argument is rooted in Sinner’s consistency.. The German star’s assessment comes after a season where Sinner and Alcaraz emerged as the leading forces in men’s tennis, each clinching two Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz won in their showdowns at Indian Wells, Roland Garros, and the China Open. He also made history by achieving the coveted ‘Channel Slam’ with back-to-back triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Yet Sinner finished the year as world #1, with an impressive 73-6 win-loss record and eight titles compared to Alcaraz’s four. Zverev occupies the second spot in the rankings after a year that included a Roland Garros final and Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Bercy.

According to Tennis Magazine, Zverev’s admiration for Sinner stems from their long-standing acquaintance. “I’ve known him [Sinner] since he was 16 or 17 years old,” Zverev shared, recalling their early training sessions near Monte Carlo under coach Riccardo Piatti. “Whenever it rained, we went there because there was a hall. So I’ve known him since he was a young boy at the academy.”

Highlighting Sinner’s achievements, Zverev added, “In terms of tennis, he absolutely deserves to be number one in the world. He has won two Grand Slam titles, three Masters titles, and the ATP Finals. He is the best player in the world; he has won the most titles.”

Despite favouring Sinner, Zverev also spoke fondly of Alcaraz. “Carlos is someone I really get on well with. We’ve had some special moments together, playing the biggest matches against each other on the court and spending a bit more time together off the court. That’s what has developed. Every time we play, it’s been a very high level with a lot of entertainment to watch, and it’s just fun to be on the court with him.”

While Zverev endorsed Sinner as the year’s top player, Alcaraz’s 2024 was extraordinary. The Spaniard’s head-to-head record against Zverev this season ended evenly at 2-2, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Indian Wells but falling to Zverev at the Australian Open and the ATP Finals. Notably, the pair also teamed up for doubles at the Laver Cup, showcasing a growing camaraderie.

In contrast, Zverev only faced Sinner once in 2024, losing in a tightly contested Cincinnati Open semi-final. Their head-to-head record now stands at 4-2 in Sinner’s favor. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s record against Sinner leans heavily in the Spaniard’s direction, with a 6-4 advantage, including victories in their last three encounters. However, Sinner’s year-end ranking and consistency throughout the season tipped the scales in his favor for Zverev.
No, 4-2 in favor of Zverev.
 

nolefam_2024

Bionic Poster
That's good. At least Zverev is honest as he has been in the past re: tennis.

There is popular choice and then there is real choice. Sometimes they can be same but majority of times they are not. Fed can win 17 fan fav or something bizarre in a row, but he can't remain real number 1 for any year post 2009. This is hard reality
 

InsuranceMan

Hall of Fame
That's good. At least Zverev is honest as he has been in the past re: tennis.

There is popular choice and then there is real choice. Sometimes they can be same but majority of times they are not. Fed can win 17 fan fav or something bizarre in a row, but he can't remain real number 1 for any year post 2009. This is hard reality
2017 is not hard reality
 

MichaelNadal

Bionic Poster
Exactly, just like Rafa in 2017 :D

Raw03.gif
 

roysid

Legend
Controversial would have been when someone said that Sinner isnt the best player in world, alcaraz is
 

Subway Tennis

G.O.A.T.
Too hard to split it for me. Sinner was the best player of Q1 and Q4 and Alcaraz was the best player of Q2 and Q3.

Sinner has extraordinary consistency in his favour, and Alcaraz has the head to head with Sinner and surface diversity in his favour. A channel slam at such a young age is an extraordinary achievement.

For me it all came down to clay season, as it so often does. Sinner was dealing with injury and the fallout of an impending drug revelation. He will be stronger during next years clay season. For what it’s worth, Alcaraz was also injured throughout clay season, which makes his victory at RG even more impressive imo.

There will be plenty who see Sinner’s season as most impressive. I can see the argument for sure. His USO victory, casting aside all the off court stuff he was dealing with and still cantering to the title.

I think that’s part of what appeals to Zverev about Sinner. Zverev has fought the same battle having to overcoming controversy and offcourt scrutiny but Zverev couldn’t do it and crimbled mentally under the pressure, whereas Sinner can stand up to it very strongly.
 

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Sinner had taken the lead. Since the summer he has been dominating most players.
Alcaraz still has an odd loss here an there. I think Alcaraz's game is more flamboyant and fun to watch and maybe has more potential. But at the moment Sinner is just so solid off both wings, covering the court well and just hitting so deep it neutralizes everyone.
 

nolefam_2024

Bionic Poster
Sinner had taken the lead. Since the summer he has been dominating most players.
Alcaraz still has an odd loss here an there. I think Alcaraz's game is more flamboyant and fun to watch and maybe has more potential. But at the moment Sinner is just so solid off both wings, covering the court well and just hitting so deep it neutralizes everyone.
I wish sinner a lot of success.
 

Cabeza del Demonio

Professional
Alexander Zverev has declared Jannik Sinner the “best player in the world,” choosing the Italian over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a bold statement that underscores Sinner’s stellar 2024 season. Despite Alcaraz’s accomplishments, Zverev’s argument is rooted in Sinner’s consistency.. The German star’s assessment comes after a season where Sinner and Alcaraz emerged as the leading forces in men’s tennis, each clinching two Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz won in their showdowns at Indian Wells, Roland Garros, and the China Open. He also made history by achieving the coveted ‘Channel Slam’ with back-to-back triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Yet Sinner finished the year as world #1, with an impressive 73-6 win-loss record and eight titles compared to Alcaraz’s four. Zverev occupies the second spot in the rankings after a year that included a Roland Garros final and Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Bercy.

According to Tennis Magazine, Zverev’s admiration for Sinner stems from their long-standing acquaintance. “I’ve known him [Sinner] since he was 16 or 17 years old,” Zverev shared, recalling their early training sessions near Monte Carlo under coach Riccardo Piatti. “Whenever it rained, we went there because there was a hall. So I’ve known him since he was a young boy at the academy.”

Highlighting Sinner’s achievements, Zverev added, “In terms of tennis, he absolutely deserves to be number one in the world. He has won two Grand Slam titles, three Masters titles, and the ATP Finals. He is the best player in the world; he has won the most titles.”

Despite favouring Sinner, Zverev also spoke fondly of Alcaraz. “Carlos is someone I really get on well with. We’ve had some special moments together, playing the biggest matches against each other on the court and spending a bit more time together off the court. That’s what has developed. Every time we play, it’s been a very high level with a lot of entertainment to watch, and it’s just fun to be on the court with him.”

While Zverev endorsed Sinner as the year’s top player, Alcaraz’s 2024 was extraordinary. The Spaniard’s head-to-head record against Zverev this season ended evenly at 2-2, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and Indian Wells but falling to Zverev at the Australian Open and the ATP Finals. Notably, the pair also teamed up for doubles at the Laver Cup, showcasing a growing camaraderie.

In contrast, Zverev only faced Sinner once in 2024, losing in a tightly contested Cincinnati Open semi-final. Their head-to-head record now stands at 4-2 in Sinner’s favor. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s record against Sinner leans heavily in the Spaniard’s direction, with a 6-4 advantage, including victories in their last three encounters. However, Sinner’s year-end ranking and consistency throughout the season tipped the scales in his favor for Zverev.
"Zverev SNUBS Carlos Alcaraz in BOMBSHELL Interview"
- The Express probably
 

JMR

Hall of Fame
Alexander Zverev has declared Jannik Sinner the “best player in the world,” choosing the Italian over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a bold statement that underscores Sinner’s stellar 2024 season. ...
Please do not just paste entire articles here without indicating where they came from. Otherwise, they could look like original work. I believe I've found this article here: https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2024/12/21/alexander-zverev-jannik-sinner-best-player/, but I realize that's not necessarily where you got it.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s record against Sinner leans heavily in the Spaniard’s direction, with a 6-4 advantage
This is an example of the kind of bad writing that pervades online "journalism." The objective is to phrase matters colorfully, whether the resulting declaration withstands scrutiny or not. It's inane to claim that a 6-4 score "leans heavily" in favor of the six. The smallest edge one can have while still having an edge is 1. The next-smallest is 2. So if you lead by 2, regardless of the absolute score, you are certainly ahead, but not by a "heavy" margin. If the H2H were, say, 16-4, I could understand a "leans heavily" characterization.
 

anarosevoli

Semi-Pro
This is an example of the kind of bad writing that pervades online "journalism." The objective is to phrase matters colorfully, whether the resulting declaration withstands scrutiny or not. It's inane to claim that a 6-4 score "leans heavily" in favor of the six. The smallest edge one can have while still having an edge is 1. The next-smallest is 2. So if you lead by 2, regardless of the absolute score, you are certainly ahead, but not by a "heavy" margin. If the H2H were, say, 16-4, I could understand a "leans heavily" characterization.
Correct, 6-4 means that it would be 5-5 if the last set they played had ended 6-7 instead of 7-6.
One tiebreak decided between even and "heavily leaning" lol.
 
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