“Work, work, and work.” That phrase perfectly captures the mentality of Alexander Zverev as he pushes himself at the 2024 ATP Finals. The 27-year-old German star has had a strong start to the tournament, winning his first two group stage matches. But what sets Zverev apart isn’t just his victories—it’s what he does after them. Instead of taking a moment to rest, Zverev heads back to the practice court, a ritual born out of an unyielding drive to perfect his game. When asked about it, he shared the motivations behind his intense post-match routine.
Zverev’s second group-stage match against Norway’s Casper Ruud ended in a straight-sets victory, 7-6, 6-3. Yet, instead of celebrating or resting, Zverev immediately returned to the court. Spectators were surprised to see him working on specific drills, aiming to refine key aspects of his play. In the post-match press conference, he shed light on why he chooses to continue training after grueling matches. His current focus? The return game. “Today was about the return only,” Zverev explained. “I feel like Casper has been serving extremely well, but I thought I could return better. That was today.” For Zverev, every match presents a chance to hone his skills and elevate his game.
His commitment to constant improvement is not just about this tournament—it’s part of a broader vision. Zverev has his eyes set on the next season and on keeping pace with the sport’s rising stars, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Both Sinner and Alcaraz have captured two Grand Slam titles this year, setting a high bar in men’s tennis. Zverev acknowledged their exceptional performances, describing them as “the two benchmarks right now.” He continued, “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.” His focus extends beyond short-term gains; it is about building the tools he needs to stay competitive at the highest level.
Zverev’s respect for Sinner and Alcaraz is clear. He admires their achievements and recognizes their success as a challenge he must rise to meet. “I know they’re going to improve, so I have to keep up,” he said, emphasizing the need for continual progress. His acknowledgment of their dominance is not merely lip service—it underscores his determination to match their accomplishments and stake his claim among the sport’s elite.
The hard work appears to be paying off. Zverev has surpassed Alcaraz in the ATP rankings, moving up to the second spot. However, true to his character, he remains humble. For Zverev, simply being ranked above Alcaraz is not the ultimate measure of greatness. Despite the ranking, he still places Alcaraz—and Sinner—above him in terms of their achievements and form.
Following his triumph at the Paris Masters, which contributed to his rise in the rankings, Zverev reflected on his position relative to Alcaraz. While he expressed satisfaction with his progress, he was quick to offer praise for the young Spaniard. “It’s nice, for sure,” Zverev said of his ranking rise. “It’s nice to be back at the highest position that I have been so far. Of course, I want to get higher, but for me still Jannik has the best year this season, for sure, and then Carlos had the second-best year. He won two Grand Slams.” This genuine recognition of his peers’ success speaks volumes about Zverev’s character and respect for the sport.
Zverev highlighted the significance of Alcaraz’s achievements, even as he occupies a higher spot in the rankings. “I know that I’m ahead of him in the rankings maybe, but for me, he won Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Those are two massive titles,” he said, acknowledging the weight of Alcaraz’s accomplishments. For Zverev, Grand Slam titles carry immense value, and he understands that reaching the pinnacle of tennis requires more than just strong ATP results. In his view, Sinner and Alcaraz remain “the two best players in the world… at the moment.”
Zverev’s journey has been impressive, but he remains without a Grand Slam title. He knows that true greatness in tennis is often defined by success at the majors, and he is determined to change that narrative. As he continues to compete in the ATP Finals and looks ahead to the next season, Zverev will be driven by the desire to finally capture a Grand Slam title. The path to achieving this goal will be challenging, but with his relentless work ethic and focus, he is giving himself the best chance to succeed.
Do you think Zverev can overcome the final hurdle and secure his first Grand Slam next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! The German star’s dedication and drive are clear for all to see, and as he continues to refine his game, the sky’s the limit for what he can achieve in the years to come.