“He’s the best player in the world,” was how Alexander Zverev praised Jannik Sinner, one of the most fierce on-court rivals. Despite reducing the difference in ranking points between him and the Italian, Zverev never shies away from appreciating the young champ over his dominance at grand slam events. As the Finals rolls further in Turin, Zverev made another comment about him and Carlos Alcaraz, but this time, with an interesting witty twist.

On Monday night at the Nitto ATP Finals, Jannik Sinner officially became the ATP Year-End No.1 which turned out to be a big moment for Italian tennis. The ceremony featured Boris Becker, a former World No. 1, and ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, who launched the new ‘ATP No. 1 Club’ to honor current and former players who reached the top ranking. Becker reflected on his own journey, saying, “It was a childhood dream of mine to become the very best. You don’t really believe it. It took me a couple of years. I was a longtime No. 2 before I became No. 1. But to be amongst the good and the great of tennis is very special.”

Alexander Zverev, meanwhile, expressed his respect for Sinner’s achievement. He praised him as “the best player in the world” who “deserves to be No. 1” after winning two Grand Slams and securing the most Masters titles this year. Zverev admitted he missed the ceremony, as he was warming up for his own match, adding, “I didn’t know that Boris gave him the trophy and stuff like that. I think it’s a great moment for him, for Italian tennis, yeah.”

The German ATP star, however, ended with a bold message for Sinner and the tour, saying, “We’ll see who’s going to receive that trophy next year.” His statement added a spark to the 2025 season. Well, Zverev is clearly aiming for the top spot sidelining rivals like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the race for future no. 1 rankings.

This year’s Nitto ATP Finals also bring a high-stakes Bonus Pool of $20.5 million. Sinner and Zverev currently lead the standings, with the Italian ahead by 300 points. With 1,500 PIF ATP Ranking points still available to the champion in Turin, the competition could still prove to be fierce in all senses. Players like Andrey Rublev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev, rounding out the top five, will be pushing to claim their share of the pool. Last year, Alcaraz took home over $4.2 million from the Bonus Pool, making this year’s competition for final rankings and earnings a notable prize for the sport’s top players. However, this wasn’t the only time when moments of cheeky challenges emerged between Sinner and Zverev.

Alexander Zverev jokes about Jannik Sinner winning ‘Best Hair’ trophy at the ATP Finals

At the ATP Finals in Turin, a lighthearted moment came to pass when Alexander Zverev interrupted Jannik Sinner’s interview after the Italian was unexpectedly awarded a trophy for “best hair.” As Sinner accepted the tiny award, he seemed surprised and therefore asked the interviewer, “I have the best hair?” His reaction was met with amusement from fans and players alike, given Sinner’s typically simple style.

While Sinner was busy inspecting the trophy, Zverev hopped into the scenes and questioned the decision with playful disbelief. “He has the best hair? What the hell is this?” he exclaimed, feigning shock. Zverev, known for his long hair, added, “I grew my hair for three years for this award and you’re giving it to… Ahh come on now. I’m never going to win.” Zverev’s reaction brought laughter along with highlighting the friendly rivalry and humor shared among the tour’s top players.

Sinner, laughing at the situation, offered to pass the award to Zverev, accepting the German’s efforts in making his hair a trademark look. The banter video gained immense attention on social media, which added a relaxed tone to the ATP Finals as both players prepared for intense competition. Despite the rivalry on the court, the humorous exchange makes it clear that there are no hard feelings between the top two rivals.