Zverev: "I want to be number 1, but there are still things that Sinner and Alcaraz do better than me"

The German player acknowledges feeling physical discomfort exacerbated by the conditions of the Rio de Janeiro tournament and talks about Joao Fonseca.

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 20 Feb 2025 | 09.35
twitter tiktok instagram instagram Comentarios
Alexander Zverev in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: gettyimages
Alexander Zverev in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: gettyimages

Streaming ATP Madrid live tennis
🎾 Mariano Navone vs Alexander Zverev
  1. Sign up with Bet365 here
  2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
  3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match
Watch the match on Bet365

Exciting times lie ahead for Alexander Zverev in the coming months, as he will compete in the first Masters 1000 events of the year as the top seed, with the chance to reach the number 1 spot. Currently, his focus is on seeking the title at the ATP 500 Rio Open 2025, which would be crucial for his confidence.

He faces a crucial stretch of the season for his interests, fully aware that he needs to progress, but also concerned about experiencing pain in a crucial area for a tennis player. Alexander Zverev has embarked on the South American adventure and after his stumble in Buenos Aires, he understands the importance of succeeding in the ATP 500 Rio Open 2025. Already in the quarterfinals, he shared interesting thoughts during a press conference.

- Feelings about the clay courts of Rio de Janeiro and elbow issues

"I think my level is gradually improving. Historically, I have needed several matches to display good tennis on clay, so I am satisfied with my progress. What concerns me a bit is that my elbow may be strained due to the high humidity conditions here. The ball is heavy, hard to move, and that's not ideal for my discomfort," acknowledged the German, who sported a bulky functional bandage on his right elbow, experiencing discomfort for some time.

- Season objectives

"You all know how much I want to be a Grand Slam champion and world number 1. I know that to achieve that, I will have to compete hard with Alcaraz and Sinner because there are still things they do better than me. I need to evolve in those aspects to fulfill my dreams in the tennis world," affirmed a man who has mathematical chances of claiming the world number 1 spot in the coming months, with Sinner sidelined due to a received sanction.

- Thoughts on Joao Fonseca

"I spoke with him after his defeat here against Muller and told him that it's perfectly normal to lose early in the week following his first title. The truth is that I like him a lot, as a player and as a person. I am convinced that he will reach the top 10 and top 5 in the rankings, but these things take time, his progression shouldn't be rushed," warned Alexander Zverev, who will now face Francisco Comesaña at the ATP 500 Rio Open 2025.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev: "Quiero ser número 1, pero aún hay cosas que Sinner y Alcaraz hacen mejor que yo"

Pronósticos deportivos
Iga Swiatek
VS
Ann Li
WTA Madrid 25/04/2026 15:30
Iga Swiatek gana primer set 6-2
Camilo Ugo Carabelli
VS
Flavio Cobolli
ATP Madrid 25/04/2026 16:30
Más de 22.5 juegos totales
Alexander Bublik
VS
Stefanos Tsitsipas
ATP Madrid 25/04/2026 22:30
Más de 9.5 juegos en el primer set
Elise Mertens
VS
Karolina Pliskova
WTA Madrid 26/04/2026 12:00
Más de 20.5 juegos totales
Solana Sierra
VS
Zeynep Sonmez
WTA Madrid 26/04/2026 12:00
Más de 20.5 juegos totales
Arthur Fils
VS
Emilio Nava
ATP Madrid 26/04/2026 12:00
Más de 21.5 juegos totales
Jannik Sinner
VS
Elmer Moller
ATP Madrid 26/04/2026 12:00
Menos de 16.5 juegos totales
Dino Prizmic
VS
Tomas Martin Etcheverry
ATP Madrid 26/04/2026 12:00
Más de 22.5 juegos totales