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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.
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.