Carlos Alcaraz is confident that his fellow tennis star, Alexander Zverev, will one day claim a Grand Slam title, despite the German’s prolonged pursuit of one of the sport’s biggest honors. While Zverev has achieved immense success on the ATP Tour, winning titles at nearly every level, the elusive Grand Slam victory has continued to slip through his grasp.
Zverev’s hunger for a Grand Slam win is undeniable. He has proven himself time and again on the ATP Tour, winning 23 singles titles, including several Masters 1000 tournaments. However, despite this impressive resume, he has yet to secure one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies, which remain just beyond his reach. With Alcaraz now emerging as one of tennis’ brightest stars, many are beginning to question whether Zverev will ever get the opportunity to lift a major trophy. But Alcaraz, who himself made history as a Grand Slam champion in 2022, has no doubts about Zverev’s potential to break through.
Zverev’s career has largely unfolded in the shadow of tennis’ “Big Three”—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—who dominated the sport for nearly two decades. This period made it incredibly challenging for any player to break into the elite ranks and claim one of the Grand Slam titles that had previously been the preserve of the sport’s legends. Zverev, despite his undeniable talent, struggled against the titans of the sport, with his breakthrough moment eluding him time after time.
In 2020, Zverev reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, facing off against Dominic Thiem in what many expected to be a breakthrough moment for the young German. Zverev took a commanding two-set lead, looking poised to claim the first Grand Slam of his career. But Thiem fought back with resilience, winning the next three sets in a thrilling comeback, and ultimately defeating Zverev 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6). It was a heartbreaking defeat for Zverev, and the setback left him with lingering doubts about whether he would ever be able to secure the major title that had long eluded him.
Despite this crushing loss, Zverev’s resolve did not waver. He continued to show consistency at the highest level of the sport, but it wasn’t until 2024 that he made another Grand Slam final appearance—this time at the French Open. Zverev, who had previously struggled against the sport’s elite, faced the rising star Alcaraz in the final. After losing the first set, Zverev mounted a comeback and took a two-set lead, setting the stage for another dramatic finish. But once again, Zverev’s hopes were dashed as Alcaraz turned the match around with clinical precision, ultimately winning 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. This victory marked Alcaraz’s third Grand Slam title and his first at the French Open, capping off a remarkable season where he also successfully defended his Wimbledon title. For Zverev, it was yet another instance of coming close but falling short of the ultimate goal.
However, Carlos Alcaraz is unequivocal in his belief that Zverev’s time will come. In a recent interview, Alcaraz spoke highly of his fellow competitor, praising his remarkable consistency and work ethic. “His career? What can I say? 23 or 24 ATP titles, a lot of Masters 1000’s. He missed the Grand Slam but I said to him, he is going to get it for sure,” Alcaraz said. “I don’t know if this year, but at the end of his career he is going to get at least one, let’s see if more. He deserves it. He is a really hard worker and has beaten the big three many times, lifting the big trophies.”
Alcaraz’s faith in Zverev’s abilities is a testament to the respect the two players have for each other. The Spaniard has seen firsthand how difficult it is to overcome the world’s best, as he too faced off against the formidable “Big Three” players during his own rise. Alcaraz’s own journey to Grand Slam glory has been full of challenges, but he recognizes the resilience Zverev has shown over the years.
For Alcaraz, playing against Zverev is no easy feat. “Honestly, I don’t like to face him at all because he’s a really tough player to face with his serve, but at the same time I am trying to find the beauty of playing against him,” Alcaraz admitted. Zverev’s imposing serve and physicality make him one of the most formidable players on tour, and while Alcaraz may find it challenging to face him on the court, he also understands the value of these tough matches, appreciating the opportunity to learn and improve with every encounter.
Zverev’s ongoing quest for a Grand Slam title may have been prolonged, but the journey is far from over. At just 26 years old, Zverev still has plenty of time to achieve his dream of winning a major. His consistent results on the ATP Tour suggest that his breakthrough moment is inevitable, and with players like Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and others raising the bar in the sport, the competition is only going to get fiercer. However, Zverev has proven his mettle time and again, showing that he is capable of competing with the best in the world.
While Alcaraz’s rise to Grand Slam success has made it harder for players like Zverev, Tsitsipas, and Fritz to claim a major title, Alcaraz believes Zverev has the game and the mentality to eventually join the ranks of Grand Slam champions. “I think he has the game to win a Grand Slam, and I’m sure he will get one,” Alcaraz said confidently. “He has the talent, the drive, and the heart to make it happen. It’s just a matter of time.”
As for Zverev, his journey is far from over. Despite the setbacks and near-misses, the German has shown time and again that he has the heart of a champion. His resilience in the face of adversity has only strengthened his resolve, and with each passing year, he continues to improve and get closer to achieving the ultimate goal. Whether it’s at the US Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, or the Australian Open, Zverev will continue to fight for his place in tennis history, and with the backing of players like Alcaraz, the future looks bright for the German star.
As the tennis world watches on, the question remains: will 2024 be the year Alexander Zverev finally lifts his first Grand Slam trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—his pursuit of tennis’ most coveted prize is far from over.