Zverev: "Alcaraz and Sinner do not win because of tactics, but because their shots are better"

Iker Jiménez | 8 Mar 2026 | 23.23

Zverev: "Alcaraz and Sinner don't win because of tactics, but because of their shots." Source: Getty

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Alexander Zverev continues to advance in Indian Wells after a demanding victory against Brandon Nakashima. The German defeated the American 7-6, 5-7, and 6-4 in a highly competitive match that lasted for two and a half hours, and after the game, he shared several interesting reflections with the press.

'Sasha' analyzed various aspects of modern tennis, including the concept of “tennis IQ”, a term commonly used to refer to tactical intelligence on the court, but Zverev believes that its importance has decreased in recent years compared to the emphasis on power and shot quality.

Why do Sinner and Alcaraz dominate?

One of the most striking topics Zverev addressed was the concept of "tennis IQ," on which the German offered a different perspective from the commonly held idea in the circuit. "I believe that the players who win the most are those with the best shots. Nowadays, especially now that tennis is a very powerful sport, those who have the best forehand, backhand, serve, and return win. Alcaraz and Sinner win more than anyone not because they play with many tactics, but because their shots are simply better than others'. I think that ten years ago tactics and 'tennis IQ,' as you call it, were more important than they are now. I think they have lost some value. Nowadays, whoever hits the ball better wins more matches."

A much tougher match than expected

"I think today was a completely different match from the last times we played. I had never seen him serve like he did today, so credit to him. I think he has improved a lot, and certainly, I am very happy with the victory. I still believe I can perform well here. Sometimes we like to disrespect some players, but the reality is that Nakashima is world number 28 and today he played a fantastic match. He served like I had never seen before. He placed the serve very well. Practically all his aces went to the line. Credit to him."

Search for a more aggressive style

"I am not completely adapted. I think it will take time, for sure. As I said after the first round, I will have defeats like the one I had in Acapulco, but it's a price I am willing to pay. It's something I'm trying to do, and I will keep trying. It's exciting. But it will take time, as I said before. I keep trying to win matches here, so sometimes I will revert to my old self. But I think in crucial moments like today in the tie-break, I won the tie-break playing aggressive tennis, and that excites me for the future."

Time rule

"I think I'm the wrong person to ask because I've never had issues with the serve clock. I don't go for the towel unless it's very humid, like in Acapulco, or conditions are very tough. I'm not someone who has issues with time, I would say. Off the court, yes, I do, but not on the court".

Switch to Dunlop balls

"I think Dunlop, in general, is a faster ball. Penns probably fluff up a bit more with use. I think both are good balls. I also think the Penn balls you buy in the store and the ones we use are very different, so it's challenging for non-professionals to judge. But I think the biggest difference this year is the court. It's faster and not as rough. Balls hold up better for longer".

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev: “Alcaraz y Sinner no ganan por la táctica, sino porque sus golpes son mejores”