Zverev: "I don't know anyone who likes two-week Masters 1000 tournaments"

It's a well-worn issue, but few have tackled it with the frankness and conviction that Alexander Zverev has shown. The German was very sincere discussing current tennis topics without shying away from potential controversies. He advocates for a change in the ATP calendar that doesn't seem feasible and reflects on key moments in his career.

The extensive interview given by Alexander Zverev on the renowned podcast Nothing Major Podcast continues to spark conversation, where Querrey, Isner, and Johnson discussed various interesting aspects with the German. His criticism of the ATP calendar leaves no one indifferent, and neither does his analysis of the generational gap or the way he remembers his fateful ankle twist in the 2022 Roland Garros match against Nadal.

- How his tennis journey began

"The most influential figures in my tennis life are my brother and father, but all credit for teaching me tennis goes to my mother. She taught me everything I know while my father traveled worldwide with my brother Mischa when he was a pro. It was crucial for me to be immersed in the professional tennis environment thanks to my brother, training with top players since I was a child. At 16, I made a significant leap when I grew about 15 centimeters and adapted quickly to professionalism," he remarked.

- Difference between generations and changes in tennis

"One of the aspects that has significantly changed the game is the balls. Since after COVID, their quality has decreased, as if they have no pressure, and that greatly influences the game. I believe tennis has evolved a lot in recent times. Nowadays, everyone plays more or less the same, except perhaps Alcaraz, who has more variety. We all hit the ball hard, and there's less difference in level between the top players and a broad group of players," he commented.

When asked if the era of the Big 3 with players like Ferrer, Berdych, Del Potro, Wawrinka, and Murray was much superior to the current one, Sascha offers an insightful reflection. "They were all impressive tennis players, and what I appreciate most about them is their tactical intelligence. Their tennis had more room for that. Now everything moves faster; I feel that the current level between the world's 15th and 30th is definitely better. Before, the top players were more dominant, always making it to the later rounds; they couldn't lose to anyone ranked between 20 and 40 in the world," he noted.

- Dramatic ankle twist against Nadal at Roland Garros 2022

Zverev's career was disrupted by a serious injury when he was at his peak. Despite returning to competitive form, the German can't forget that episode. "In 2021, I had an incredible season; I felt I was at the best moment of my career and believed I was close to winning a Grand Slam," he recalled.

In those semifinals, I remember I was playing one of the most astonishing matches of my life; I don't think I ever had a better chance to win a Grand Slam. What bothered me most wasn't losing that match, which I could have easily lost to Rafa, but losing the opportunity to become world number 1. It was within reach. By winning a couple of matches in Halle that year, I would have achieved it," he expressed.

- Assessment of his current season

"A terrible year for me, I can't say more. After the Australian Open, I felt completely lost on the court. I went into that final convinced I would win, and watching Sinner dominate me was mentally tough. I made the mistake of going to play in Argentina a few days later when I wasn't prepared or motivated enough. I experienced total burnout, no enjoyment during matches or training; it felt pointless to play. I lost matches I shouldn't have. Exiting in the first round at Wimbledon and withdrawing from some tournaments after that will allow me to approach this part of the season much better. I believe I'll deliver my best tennis at the US Open," he concluded.

- Criticism of the ATP calendar

"I'd love to regulate my efforts, focus on the Grand Slams, and play fewer tournaments, but it's impossible. You have 8 mandatory Masters 1000 events, 4 ATP 500 level tournaments, and the 4 Grand Slams. That already requires competing for 16 weeks; add Monte Carlo, ATP Finals, Davis Cup... It's impossible to compete in fewer than 20 tournaments a year, and most of them are two weeks long. Everyone's favorite events are Monte Carlo and Paris, being the only one-week Masters 1000 tournaments. You play your matches and leave; there's no waiting days between matches," Sascha affirmed.

"I don't like the current situation at all. It's unthinkable that, for example, De Miñaur played his last match of the season on November 25 and the first one of the following season on December 27. With just a month between them, it's impossible to rest, train properly, and prepare physically for the season. The ATP needs to thoroughly analyze this because I don't know a single player, and I'd say not even a fan, who enjoys the two-week Masters 1000 events. I understand tennis is a business, but I think this business model isn't working," stated Alexander Zverev.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev: "No conozco a nadie al que le gusten los Masters 1000 de dos semanas"