Musetti and Zverev's Number 1: "Sinner and Alcaraz are still better"

2026 has been the year of Alexander Zverev. The German tennis player has managed to win the first two Grand Slams of his career and has fulfilled his dream of being world number 1, although Lorenzo Musetti recently stated that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are still better than anyone. The Italian tennis player wanted to give credit to 'Sascha', but believes that injuries have played a key role in that ranking.

Alcaraz was out of the circuit for almost 5 months due to a wrist injury, while Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon due to a knee injury, something Musetti has emphasized. "I believe Sasha deserves the number one spot in the world, without a doubt, and I'm happy for him that he has finally achieved two Grand Slam titles and the number one spot. Of course, the injuries of Sinner and Alcaraz have affected the ranking and most of the top players, but the physical aspect is part of the game, and whoever is more consistent and in good physical shape to play is the one who can reach the top position," he stated in an interview with 'Bola VIP'.

Additionally, he made it clear that when they are healthy, both Jannik and Carlos are still above the rest. "Of course, in terms of level, I think there's no doubt that if everyone is at their best, Sinner and Alcaraz are still better than anyone. They continue to show that they are the rivals to beat," he concluded. In fact, at the Australian Open (the first Grand Slam of the year) Alcaraz defeated Zverev in the semifinals to lift the title, while at Wimbledon Sinner took down the German in the final. At Roland Garros, the Murcian was absent, and Jannik lost in the second round due to physical problems, while at the US Open it was the Italian who was absent and Carlos played his first tournament after the injury, so he was not in good shape.

The physical aspect, Zverev's greatest asset in 2026

As Musetti says, it's important to value this aspect of Zverev, since the physical plays a very important role in sports. Perhaps his game is not as flashy as Alcaraz's, but his consistency is remarkable, and he cannot be denied credit. 'Sascha' has played all the important tournaments of the year and has never withdrawn, even when he had discomfort in his ankle during the Asian tour, which means he has earned the right to be considered the best tennis player in the world.

It is also worth noting that since the beginning of the year, his forehand has become much more aggressive, meaning that 2027 will be a golden opportunity for him to prove he can reach the level of Alcaraz and Sinner and silence his critics. If he succeeds, a new 'Big Three' could form, which would be very beneficial for tennis, hence next year will be key to understand each player's position with the possibility that Ben Shelton may also join after the incorporation of Juan Carlos Ferrero.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Musetti y el número 1 de Zverev: "Sinner y Alcaraz siguen siendo mejores"