Zverev hoping to challenge Sinner for top ranking

German Alexander Zverev begins his 2024 season with a long-odds chance of finally achieving the No. 1 ranking if circumstances fall into place.The ATP number two will start his 2025 campaign on Sunday as United Cup holder Germany face Brazil in a group match.

He trails top-ranked Italian Jannik Sinner by 3,000-plus points but has momentum after climbing into the second spot helped by Masters title in Rome  and Paris Bercy last season. 

Zverev is glad to be back in the mix after the ankle ligament tear which almost ended his career at 2022 Roland Garros.

The 27-year-old owns two grand Slam finals but has yet to go over the line for a trophy.

“We had a good tournament here and I love being back. We want to hopefully defend our title,” he said of his Germany titleholders. “But we have to play the tennis and see how it goes.”

Zverev admitted he feared for his tennis after the ankle crisis.”I was one match away from world number one before the injury. 

“But I’m again competing for big events, best spots in our sport – I feared that I might not be able to do that again. I was never sure to be back at this level.”

Zverev admitted he got a beneficial physical workout here a year ago when he led his nation to the trophy with a defeat of Poland in the final.

“I played two three-setters and an epic mixed final. I played a lot of tennis to start 2024. I had 10 matches at the United Cup and then had two 7-6 wins at the Open.

‘That showed me that physically… but I’m feeling better this year.”

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev faced a potential career ending ankle injury at Roland Garros 2022 – by Roger Parker, International Sports Photos Ltd