“Work, work, and work.” That’s the motto with which Alexander Zverev is cruising at the moment. The 27-year-old German superstar, currently playing in the ATP Finals has won his first two matches. However, despite the wins, Zverev does not seem to enjoy them a lot rather he starts focusing on his work. When asked about the same, he revealed has his own reasons behind his unique post-match rituals.

Zverev played Casper Ruud in the second round of the ATP Finals’ group stage match defeating him in straight sets 7-6, 6-3. However, after the win, rather than taking a moment to relax, he was seen hitting the balls and perfecting his game. When asked about the same in the post-match conference, he shed light on the reasons behind his decision to put in extra training hours even after grueling matches.

He explained that his recent post-match sessions are part of a focused approach to refine his skills, particularly his return game. “Today was about the return only. I feel like Casper has been serving extremely well, but I thought I could return better. That was today,” he explained, emphasizing his intention to target specific areas of improvement after each match.

Zverev shared that his goals extend way beyond his immediate benefit. He aims to elevate his game for the next season to keep pace with two of the sport’s emerging stars, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “As I said in Paris, it’s not about today, it’s not about tomorrow, it’s not about the next match. I want to improve a few things for the next season already,” Zverev clarified.

He also acknowledged Sinner and Alcaraz as “the two benchmarks right now,” admiring their recent achievements of two Grand Slam titles each this year. Zverev, who enjoyed wins at the Paris Masters and the Italian Open, is determined to join their ranks, stating, “I know they’re going to improve, so I have to keep up.”

Apparently, Zverev’s hard work has paid off and he has surpassed Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings. However, despite the great achievement, the player seemed unfazed and considers Alcaraz above him.

Despite surpassing Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev believes he’s still above him

Alexander Zverev took advantage of Carlos Alcaraz’s 2nd round elimination and won the title at the Paris Masters to clinch the second spot in the rankings. However, he recently shared his thoughts on his latest ranking. While he acknowledged the accomplishments, he kept his focus on those he believes are currently leading the tennis world.

When asked if his recent rise held special meaning, Zverev responded, “It’s nice, for sure. It’s nice to be back at the highest position that I have been so far. Of course I want to get higher, but for me still Jannik has the best year this season, for sure, and then Carlos had the second-best year. He won two Grand Slams.”

Zverev pointed out his respect for Carlos Alcaraz’s achievements, even while recognizing his recent ranking advantage. “I know that I’m ahead of him in the rankings maybe, but for me he won Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Those are two massive titles,” Zverev stated, giving Alcaraz credit for winning what he sees as significant trophies this year. He emphasized that, in his view, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz remain “the two best players in the world… at the moment.”

Despite being in the second spot, Zverev is yet to land grand slam success. Will he be able to make it in the next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!