Alexander Zverev heads into the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals with high ambitions, aiming to capture his third title in this prestigious year-end event. Zverev’s previous triumphs came in London in 2018 and in Turin in 2021, and with his victory at the Rolex Paris Masters last week, he has climbed to the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings. He finds himself in the ‘John Newcombe Group’ alongside formidable competitors such as Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev, setting the stage for intense battles in Turin.
Zverev’s first opponent will be Andrey Rublev, who, despite winning the Madrid Masters 1000 earlier this year, has endured a challenging season filled with ups and downs. Rublev’s inconsistency makes him unpredictable, but Zverev is determined to capitalize on his recent momentum and bring his best tennis to the court. The stakes are high, as the ATP Finals represent the pinnacle of the ATP Tour, reserved for the world’s top eight players. For Zverev, a strong performance here would cap off a year of steady improvement and provide a springboard for an even bigger 2025 season.
### Momentum from Paris and Renewed Confidence
The German’s victory at the Rolex Paris Masters was a testament to his hard work and dedication. Zverev played with a level of confidence and precision that he has been building towards all year. In recent weeks, he has focused on refining his game, addressing weaknesses, and honing his mental resilience. “I have put in a lot of work lately, and the results are finally showing,” Zverev remarked. “I played some excellent tennis in Paris, and I hope to carry that form into Turin.”
Zverev is considered a strong contender for the ATP Finals title, though he is listed behind favorites Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the bookmakers’ odds. Sinner, the current world No. 1, has been nearly unbeatable this year, thriving on indoor hard courts. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s explosive style and relentless energy make him a formidable challenge for any opponent. However, Zverev is no stranger to this level of competition and believes he can beat anyone on his day. “I have done it before,” he said confidently. “I know what it takes to win here.”
### Learning from the Past and Focusing on the Future
The ATP Finals are a critical step for Zverev, but his long-term goal remains clear: winning a Grand Slam title. The 2025 season looms large in his mind, as he strives to break his Grand Slam curse. Zverev has reached two Major finals—falling to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open and losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open. In both cases, he came tantalizingly close but faltered at the final hurdle.
Speaking candidly in Turin, Zverev acknowledged his struggles at Grand Slams. “The biggest issue for me is how I start my matches in the early rounds,” he explained. “I tend to play unnecessary five-set matches that drain me physically and mentally. By the end of the tournament, it catches up to me. Here [at the ATP Finals], there is no room for that. Every match is against one of the top players, and I have to be at my best from the first point.”
Zverev’s awareness of this challenge is a step in the right direction. He has been working on maintaining a more aggressive mindset and avoiding the passive play that has cost him dearly in critical moments. In a candid self-assessment, Zverev stated, “It’s all about mentality. I have to bring this same focus and intensity to the Grand Slams.”
### Battling Through Adversity
Zverev’s journey this season has not been without obstacles. After competing in the Laver Cup, he was struck by a bout of pneumonia, leaving him fatigued and unable to perform at his peak. Although he has yet to fully recover, Zverev is determined to give his all in the final stretch of the year. “I’m not at 100% yet, but I want to finish 2024 as the world No. 2. That is my motivation,” he said.
While his ATP Finals campaign is crucial, Zverev has decided to skip the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. This move is part of his strategic plan to rest and prepare for the 2025 season, which will start for him at the United Cup. Winning a Grand Slam remains his ultimate goal, and achieving that will require mental fortitude and a more aggressive game plan. His tendency to become overly passive in decisive moments has been a recurring issue, as evidenced by his recent loss to Taylor Fritz at the US Open.
### Expert Opinions and a Path Forward
Zverev’s potential is undeniable, but former coach of Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic, recently highlighted the gap between Zverev and younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz. “Sascha has too many ups and downs,” Ivanisevic observed. “He can play well, but when it really counts, he struggles to maintain his level. Against players like Alcaraz and Sinner, you have to be at your best the entire match.”
Despite these challenges, Zverev remains a highly effective player on all surfaces. He proved his prowess by reaching the French Open final, where he was two sets to one ahead against Alcaraz before the Spaniard staged a stunning comeback. His disappointment was compounded at the US Open, where he failed to capitalize on the early exits of Djokovic and Alcaraz.
Nevertheless, Zverev’s resilience and talent make him a player to watch. As he prepares to take on the world’s best in Turin, he knows that every match is an opportunity to build momentum, refine his approach, and strengthen his resolve for the battles to come. Whether he can capture a third ATP Finals title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Zverev is ready to give it his all.