Alexander Zverev has experienced a season of both significant highs and frustrating setbacks, leaving fans and tennis analysts with mixed feelings about his progress in 2024. Although Zverev achieved remarkable results by any standard — including winning the prestigious Masters 1000 title in Rome this spring and reaching the final of the French Open — there remains a lingering sentiment that he could have achieved even more. With Rafael Nadal stepping back due to persistent injuries and the gradual decline of Novak Djokovic, many believed this season was Zverev’s best chance yet to secure his first Grand Slam title. However, despite multiple opportunities across all four Majors, the German star fell short of realizing that dream, often in moments where he was in a strong position to push further.
One of Zverev’s most promising chances came at the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals before losing in a tight battle. He also put himself in a prime position at Roland Garros, holding a two-set lead over the young sensation Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Yet, he couldn’t capitalize on that advantage and ultimately lost, missing out on a victory that could have marked a career-defining moment. The Wimbledon Championships saw Zverev grappling with a physical issue that prevented him from performing at his best, while at the US Open, he seemed poised to seize another opportunity. With both Alcaraz and Djokovic eliminated early, Zverev became a favorite to clinch the title in New York, second only to Italy’s Jannik Sinner. However, he failed to rise to the occasion, succumbing to Taylor Fritz in a straight-sets quarterfinal defeat that left his fans disappointed.
In the final months of the season, Zverev’s journey took another twist when he contracted pneumonia following his participation in the Laver Cup. This illness proved to be a significant setback, affecting his energy levels and overall physical condition. After a brief hospital stay and a course of antibiotics, Zverev was forced to pull out of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing, depriving him of valuable match time. Although he made a comeback for the Shanghai Masters and the ATP 500 event in Vienna, his performances were inconsistent. In Shanghai, he was defeated by David Goffin, while in Vienna, he lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals. Zverev later disclosed that he was still dealing with lingering effects of pneumonia, including lung inflammation, which would take a few months to fully heal. “It’s going to take about two, three months to be completely gone,” he explained. “I was quite sick, with a high fever, and ended up in hospital after the Laver Cup. I didn’t have the energy to play.”
Despite these health challenges, Zverev has made a resilient return to the court, competing at the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000. He advanced to the second round by defeating Tallon Griekspoor, exhibiting his skill and adaptability on one of the fastest courts he’s encountered. “Very fast court. I think one of the fastest courts I’ve ever played on,” Zverev remarked. “I had to find my rhythm in the beginning, but I’m happy to have come through. Once I find my rhythm, I love fast courts because they fit my game.” With a strong serve and powerful baseline game, Zverev is well-suited to these conditions and has an excellent opportunity to finish the season on a high note, both at the Paris-Bercy Masters and the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
Zverev’s familiarity with Turin’s indoor courts could be a crucial advantage, given his previous success there, including winning the Nitto ATP Finals in 2021. His former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, believes that Zverev has the potential to challenge Sinner for the ATP Finals title. Ljubicic shared his views on the competition, stating, “Sinner is the dark horse in Turin. Alcaraz still has to convince me on indoor courts. If we’re looking for someone who can challenge Jannik, I would say Zverev.”
As he eyes the conclusion of this year’s circuit, Zverev is already looking toward the opportunities of 2025. Many tennis analysts consider 2025 a pivotal year for the German star, as it may determine if he can make the final leap to Grand Slam champion status. His Masters 1000 title in Rome proves he has the ability to perform at the highest level, yet the pressure to secure a Major victory continues to mount, especially with the rise of young, talented players who are quickly establishing themselves on the ATP circuit. Winning a Grand Slam title remains a critical milestone that Zverev has yet to reach, and it’s a challenge that has added urgency with the emergence of next-generation stars like Alcaraz and Sinner, who are already competing for the biggest titles on the tour.
Reflecting on his season, Zverev’s journey has been marked by both physical battles and mental resilience. As he continues his pursuit of a Major title, overcoming setbacks like pneumonia and an exhausting year of competition highlights his dedication to the sport and his desire to solidify his position among the elite players of his generation. The upcoming months will be crucial as Zverev works to regain full fitness and build on the progress he has made, with his eyes set firmly on achieving Grand Slam glory in the near future.
For now, Zverev’s fans, along with the tennis world, will be watching closely as he competes in Paris and Turin, hopeful that his year of challenges can end on a victorious note. The stage is set for Zverev to make his mark, and with his talent and determination, he has the tools to turn his trials into triumphs.