TENNIS

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev issues major warning to tennis world: ‘The ranking system doesn’t lie’

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev has set his sights high for this season, and he made that clear with a bold statement.

Current World No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
© Getty ImagesCurrent World No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

There’s no doubt Alexander Zverev is one of the top players on the ATP Tour right now. He currently holds the No. 2 spot in the world rankings thanks to his performances over the past 12 months, though he has struggled recently to deliver the results he expects of himself. Against that backdrop, he sent a clear message about his ambitions.

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“World No. 1? It would be nice, I have not been there. I believe I will, so we’ll see how it goes,” Zverev said during a press conference this week ahead of the Rome Open, according to the official ATP Tour website.

The German star went on to discuss his current position in the rankings and highlighted the accomplishments that earned it. “I’m there because I won tournaments. I’m there because I have results,” he explained. “The ranking system doesn’t lie. You get points for winning matches, you get points for winning titles.”

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Zverev acknowledges his struggles this year

The 2025 season got off to a strong start for Alexander Zverev, who reached the final of the Australian Open in January, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. But things have not gone well for him since then. In fact, following the Australian Open, he posted a disappointing 6–6 record before capturing a title in Munich.

Alexander Zverev holding the Rome Open trophy in 2024.

Alexander Zverev holding the Rome Open trophy in 2024.

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“I know I didn’t play up to my standard, I know I didn’t play up to what I wanted to do,” admitted Sasha. “But neither did Carlos (Alcaraz), then he won Monte-Carlo… Do you think Novak (Djokovic) is happy with his results? Do you think Carlos is happy with his results?”

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Finally, the World No. 2 added: I’m not happy with my results. At the end of the day in big matches, big moments, I still believe the top players will rise, and I still believe that I am going to find my tennis for the biggest tournaments.”

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Zverev set to defend his title in Rome

The Rome Masters 1000 kicks off this week, and Zverev is under pressure to deliver. He won the tournament in 2024 and will be defending critical ranking points. “I feel confident here,” Alexander said. “I really like the place, so I hope I can play as well as last year and win a lot of matches.”

Zverev is scheduled to make his debut at this year’s Rome Open on Friday, May 9. In the round of 64, the defending champion will face the winner of Wednesday’s match between Jeremias Ugo Carabelli and Pablo Carreño Busta.

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