“I will be a Grand Slam champion at some point,” said Alexander Zverev in 2021. The German has kept his sights straight since the US Open final in September 2020, where he missed out on creating history at the Flushing Meadows. The German is one to never give up. Perhaps that’s the reason he’s managed to win two titles, the Italian Open and the Paris Masters, this season. He’s now into the semifinal round of the ATP Finals. However, Zverev’s ultimate goal remains winning a major title and potentially challenging Sinner for the world No. 1 spot.

The memory of 2020’s final is still etched in Zverev’s heart. For those unaware, he missed out on winning his first Grand Slam after losing the championship match against Thiem. Despite leading in the first two sets, Zverev lost his grip on the trophy. Thiem ultimately beat him 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(8–6). Earlier this year, Alexander missed yet another chance of becoming a Grand Slam champion. In a thrilling final battle against Carlos Alcaraz, he failed to hold his nerves and lost the match 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 1-6, 2-6. Right now his focus might be on the ATP Finals, but Alexander Zverev clearly wants to win a Major, no matter what.

Not to mention that he wants to capture No.1 spot too, dethroning the current position holder Jannik Sinner. In a press conference, dated November 15th, he revealed his goals for 2025. When asked whether he’s looking to win a Grand Slam trophy, specifically the French Open, Zverev said, “Yeah, for sure. Roland Garros is always marked in my calendar since the injury. I’ve been saying that the last few years. It’s always, yeah, kind of a big circle around those dates.”

However, he emphasized on his desire to just win a Major title, no matter which one it is. For him “it’s no secret, I’m searching for that Grand Slam title,” he said. “If it’s not Roland Garros, but it’s Australia, I’ll sign the paper right now, to be honest. Of course, it would be special if it’s Paris. If it’s anywhere else, I would be just as happy”. Adding one more thing to his wishlist, he mentioned the ATP rankings.

“I’m searching for world No. 1”, said Zverev. It’s evident that he now wants to snatch the top spot from Jannik Sinner. As of now, Sinner has a 3015-point advantage over Zverev at No. 2. Meanwhile, Alexander’s recent form has compelled former American player Andy Roddick to put him alongside the top contender, Sinner, to win the trophy in Turin.

Andy Roddick showers praising words for Alexander Zverev amid a phenomenal run at the ATP Finals

Zverev began his campaign in Turin in style and defeated Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. In his next encounter, he took the better of Casper Ruud, winning with a scoreline of 7-6, 6-3. Then in the last group stage match, he overcame the challenge of Alcaraz, the former World No.1, and beat him 7-6, 6-4 while also qualifying for the semis. The German has not dropped a single set in the event so far, thus not giving any chance to his opponents. While reflecting on Zverev’s ongoing form, Roddick backed him up as a potential winner of the ATP Finals.

Speaking in an episode of his Served podcast, he said, “Watch out for him. He’s got a shot at the title. I think he’s the favorite outside of Sinner,” he said while implying that the Fox isn’t the only favorite to lift the trophy in Turin. He also praised Zverev’s strong serve. “Well, when you serve 70 percent first serves on a regular basis, from 6’6” and you can defend, you know, like you’re 6’1. That solves a lot of problems,” said Roddick.

Before he steps into the next year to go on a Grand Slam-hunting quest and the No.1 ranking, Zverev would like to wrap up 2024 on a high. And what’s better than to add another trophy to his cabinet after the Rolex Paris Masters earlier this month? Do you think he will be able to fulfill his dream of clinching a major next year? Also, do you see him dethroning Jannik Sinner going forward? Let us know in the comments.