Zverev is fed up with the ATP: "Tennis is heading in the wrong direction"

Alexander Zverev is one of the most vocal tennis players in his protests against the harshness of the ATP calendar. He has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with the current state of tennis and, furthermore, with the trend that is emerging for 2028, with the announced remodeling of it. During a press conference at the ATP 500 Vienna 2026, the current world number one spoke on the subject.

Being the best player in the world entails many things, one of which is being a vocal leader and representing the common interests of tennis players. That is what Alexander Zverev aims to do, clearly understanding what aspect of this sport should be modified. Highly critical of the ATP calendar, the German made some forceful statements during the press conference of the ATP 500 Vienna 2026.

This is what Alexander Zverev said in Vienna

What differentiates being number 1 from winning a Grand Slam

"Becoming world number one is different from winning a Grand Slam. To achieve it, you have to have had the best season and earned more points than anyone else throughout the year. It’s something different, a very special feeling."

"In a way, it is comparable to winning a Grand Slam, but, as I have said, a Grand Slam is won in two weeks, and to be world number one, you need to perform for twelve months."

The issue of the ATP calendar seen by Zverev

"I believe the solution is relatively simple. I have said it many times: we should shorten the season by two or three weeks to have more time for our bodies to rest and recover."

"I mentioned it yesterday: I’m someone who likes physical work and trains hard. But this year, if I play the Davis Cup, we will be competing practically until December. And if I had played the United Cup, I would have had to play my first match at the end of December."

"I am not going to play the United Cup because it is simply impossible for me. If I go on vacation, I cannot fly directly from there to Australia. There comes a point where all of this stops making sense."

"I have been saying the same thing for ten years, and nothing changes. However, I believe players are starting to talk more about this issue and express their discontent. I think we will hear more voices regarding this."

"In my opinion, unfortunately, things are evolving in the wrong direction for us."

Need for rest during tournaments

"The truth is that this year has become relatively common for me, because I have played many night matches, some finishing very late. My body has gotten a little used to this routine."

"Fortunately, I also have the ability and the luck to be able to sleep for many hours. If I go to bed at four in the morning, I can sleep late and still get my nine hours of rest. That’s why I felt very good on the court today. I think I played a good match, quite clean, and tomorrow I want to maintain this level."

Possible new contenders for glory in 2027

"The dominance of three players started this year. Last year, there was not a dominance of three, but of two. I was always the third, but they were far ahead of me."

"It’s hard to say. At the end of each season, the same questions always arise about who can step up and which players have the potential to do so. Honestly, I don’t think it will happen next year."

"I think next season will be quite similar to this one. After that, of course, there are talents that may arrive, like Jódar and Fonseca, and I hope someone who is healthy will also come back. We will see how they work and how much they progress in their game. But I think it will still be too soon for that to happen next year."

Alexander Zverev seems determined to take on a leadership role in tennis and promote substantial changes in an ATP calendar that appears to be heading in the opposite direction of what he and the rest of the players intend.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev se harta de la ATP: "El tenis va en la dirección equivocada"