Zverev explains the absence of Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic in Montreal

Alexander Zverev arrives at the ATP Montreal 2026 as the clear favorite to win the tournament following the absence of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz. However, in the press conference before his debut in the tournament, he revealed that he would have liked them to participate and blamed the format of the Masters 1000 for their choice not to compete.

The two-week Masters 1000 have been one of the biggest controversies of recent times, as many players have complained that the calendar barely gives them a break and causes many injuries. As a result, some tournaments like the Monte Carlo and Canada Masters 1000 are affected by the absence of some of the best tennis players in the circuit, which Zverev sees as understandable even though he chooses to play all of them.

Zverev reveals what he felt after winning Roland Garros

I believe — I've mentioned it a lot — that it is a great satisfaction, without a doubt. I had been waiting for that Grand Slam title for a long time, and, of course, I am very happy that it has finally come. But the work continues, as we have three important tournaments here in North America, and that's what we are focusing on.

Controversy over the two-week Masters 1000

I believe that to be in very good shape, some players need to play more tournaments, and others less. I definitely need to compete, and that’s why I play. But I believe you are referring to the withdrawals, and I think that this is the second or third consecutive year that neither Alcaraz, Sinner, nor Djokovic are here. That is a consequence of the two-week Masters 1000. It’s too long for some players, too close to the US Open.

I also used to play more tournaments. I played more 500 and 250 tournaments when the Masters 1000 were shorter, but now I don’t because of the time I spend away and at tournaments. But yes, I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments. I don't think I will play my best tennis here, but I believe that, as a result of playing here, I will play better in Cincinnati and, hopefully, my best tennis in New York.

Defeat at Wimbledon against Sinner

I think the two-month period I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win at Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final, but in the end I faced an opponent who also knows how to play in those moments, and he played a phenomenal match. It was a great match that could have lasted a little longer. I think it could have gone to the fifth set. Overall, it was a good tournament and I played a lot of tennis during that time, so I went on vacation for a week and then started training and preparing as best as possible for this tour.

Zverev reveals he was close to not playing in Montreal

You always want to compete against the best, especially before the US Open. I understand it, however. In fact, we even considered skipping Montreal this year, but then we decided to play. But yes, I think we have played each other more than any other player on the circuit because I feel we have faced each other more times this year, which is also positive. Of course, it is not positive that I keep losing to the same player, or that I have lost to him several times, but I think it definitely shows that we were probably the two most consistent players on the circuit this year, and that is positive.

Objective to be number 1

Yes, of course, that is a goal. It is certainly one of my objectives. I believe that playing the best tennis possible should always be the main goal because then the results will come on their own. Winning tournaments will follow. Climbing in the rankings will come after. So, as long as you focus on improving, perfecting your game, and giving your best, I believe everything else will follow.

Could a bonus or a sanction cause Djokovic to play these tournaments?

Do you think Novak will care if he gets a higher bonus? I think the guy has... I mean, if I had to guess, I would say he has over 400 million in his bank account, so I’m not sure he cares. I don’t think he cares about his ranking either. Do you want us to drop in the rankings if we don’t play? Honestly, if everything went back to the way it was before, and we played one-week Masters tournaments, yes, we could talk about it, but if you force us to be out two and a half weeks, three weeks during the Grand Slams and the same happens with the Masters, you can’t force us to play. Sorry, that’s nonsense. After all, if you play all nine Masters, you get a bonus at the end of the year. So that’s also a factor.

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