Alexander Zverev, the world No. 2, has always been known for his unrelenting pursuit of excellence on the tennis court. His work ethic was on full display yet again at the ATP Finals in Turin. After securing a confident 7-6(3), 6-3 victory over Casper Ruud, the German star wasted no time and headed straight to the practice court for an extended training session. Zverev’s commitment to refining his game, even after a convincing win, speaks volumes about his ambition and mindset.
The 27-year-old German has been perfect in his ATP Finals campaign so far, with back-to-back straight-set wins over Andrey Rublev and Ruud. While his performance suggests a player in peak form, Zverev remains acutely aware of the nuances of his game that need sharpening. Following his victory over Ruud, he focused on his returns, acknowledging that Ruud’s strong serving presented a challenge. “Today was about the return only. I feel like Casper has been serving extremely well, but I thought I could return better,” Zverev explained.
His post-match training session wasn’t merely about immediate improvements, though. Zverev sees these moments as stepping stones toward bigger goals. “In general, as I said in Paris, it’s not about today, it’s not about tomorrow, it’s not about the next match. I want to improve a few things for the next season already,” he said. For Zverev, 2024 and beyond mean closing the gap between himself and the sport’s rising stars, such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “I want to develop my game further so I can compete with Jannik and Carlos. As simple as that. They’re the two benchmarks right now. They’re the ones that are winning Grand Slams. I want to be part of that group.”
Zverev’s desire to stay competitive with tennis’s new wave is rooted in his self-awareness and ambition. He knows that maintaining his place among the elite demands constant evolution, and he’s ready for the challenge. This determination was evident throughout his match against Ruud. The first set unfolded as a tight contest with neither player facing a break point, but Zverev stepped up in the tiebreak, claiming an early mini-break and ultimately sealing it with a 7-3 scoreline.
The second set continued in a similarly competitive vein until Zverev finally broke through in the eighth game. The break of serve was all he needed to close out the match, 6-3. Despite this, Zverev was not entirely satisfied, as evidenced by his immediate return to practice. Such dedication has characterized his season and career, and it is what he believes can keep him in the conversation with players like Sinner and Alcaraz.
Zverev’s path at the ATP Finals isn’t getting any easier. His next opponent is Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 3. Their upcoming match promises to be a marquee showdown, as it will mark their 11th meeting, with the head-to-head currently tied at 5-5. The stakes are high, and Zverev knows that every edge matters in contests of this magnitude. His focus on continuous improvement is aimed squarely at overcoming challenges posed by the likes of Alcaraz, whose rapid ascent and prowess have redefined the men’s game.
Interestingly, the ATP Finals in Turin have thus far been devoid of three-set thrillers, an unusual trend considering the caliber of players involved. Zverev was asked about this surprising lack of extended battles. He offered a thoughtful response, attributing it to the unpredictable nature of elite competition. “Last year I think there were a bunch of three-set matches. It was super exciting, super close. This is how tennis is. You cannot predict the future. You cannot have every year the same results,” Zverev said. He highlighted the variability in performance and form, even among the world’s best players.
Zverev used his matches with Alcaraz to illustrate this point. “I’ve played guys, for example Carlos even this year, where we had incredible battles, like the French Open final. Then I’ve played him at the Australian Open in the quarters where I feel like I dominated him completely. Then I played him in Indian Wells where he dominated me completely,” he noted. According to Zverev, even at the highest level, the dynamics of each match can differ greatly based on a multitude of factors, including form and confidence.
The German acknowledged that while fans might crave dramatic, three-set encounters, the reality is often dictated by the ebbs and flows of individual performance. “If you’re playing against the best players in the world, doesn’t necessarily mean you always are going to get tight matches just because it’s the best players in the world,” Zverev explained. He remains hopeful that as the tournament progresses, spectators will be treated to the intense, nail-biting battles they crave.
When Zverev takes on Alcaraz in their highly anticipated clash, it will be more than just another match; it will be a test of their respective evolutions, ambitions, and readiness to dominate the sport. Zverev’s commitment to continual improvement, showcased by his relentless post-match practices, positions him as a formidable opponent and a relentless competitor. Whether facing Alcaraz or any other top-tier rival, Zverev’s focus and dedication suggest that he is prepared to leave it all on the court as he chases his place at the pinnacle of men’s tennis.