Alexander Zverev enjoyed a strong year in 2024 as he returned to the world number two ranking thanks to several impressive performances.
In a year where headlines were dominated by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev quietly enjoyed a superb year, as he matched his career-high ranking.
Always impressive at the Masters 1000 level, Zverev won the Italian Open earlier this year, taking down Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in the final.
Zverev then reached the French Open final, losing to Alcaraz in five sets, as he returned to a Major final after four years.
Capping off a strong season, the German won a seventh career Masters 1000 trophy, as Zverev clinched the Paris Masters title against Ugo Humbert.
A fantastic year, and one that has Zverev dreaming of big things on the ATP Tour in 2025.
Alexander Zverev says taking the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner is a ‘target’ for 2025
Speaking ahead of the 2025 United Cup, Zverev revealed how he feels being so close to the number one ranking again, having suffered a big injury back in 2022.
“Yeah, I mean, for me, look, I think in 2022 before I got injured, I was very close to world number one,” he said.
“I was one match away from being world number one.
“Then obviously the injury happened.
“Of course, I’m happy to be back in that position, I’m happy that I am competing for hopefully big events, competing for the best spots in our sport.
“I was never sure I was ever going to do that again, especially after the injury, I never was sure I was going to be back at that level.”
Zverev tore three ligaments in his right ankle during his semi-final match against Rafael Nadal at the French Open.
An injury that saw the German fall out of the world’s top ten before returning to action in January 2023 for the United Cup.
The 27-year-old went on to outline his goals for the 2025 season, as he looks to push on in the new year.
“For me to be here, it is satisfying, but I’m not satisfied yet, if that makes sense,” said Zverev.
“I still want to achieve my goals, I still want to achieve my dreams.
“I felt like this year, I have been close on multiple occasions to maybe getting my first Grand Slam, didn’t quite get there.
“Of course, if I stay healthy and if I stay fit, that is the main goal.
“As you said, I’m the number two player in the world, I’m behind Jannik [Sinner] right now, that is definitely a target.”
When is Alexander Zverev most likely to become world number one?
Sinner dominated the ATP Tour in 2024, and it certainly looks like it will be a tough ask for anyone to claim the top spot from him in the new year.
Zverev is best placed to do so, however, trailing by just under 4000 points ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.
| ATP rank | Name | Points |
| 1 | Jannik Sinner | 11,830 |
| 2 | Alexander Zverev | 7,915 |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz | 7,010 |
| 4 | Taylor Fritz | 5,100 |
| 5 | Daniil Medvedev | 5,030 |
It’s unlikely that the German will catch Sinner during the early stages of the season, in part thanks to the 23-year-olds prowess on hard courts, but there could be an opportunity as they head to clay later in the year.
Sinner has yet to prove himself at the elite level on the red stuff, winning just one tour-level title on clay, whilst Zverev has reached a French Open final and won four Masters 1000 titles on the surface.
If Zverev were to go one better than his 2024 performance at the French Open and win a maiden Major title, there could be a real chance for him to grab the number one spot.
Only time will tell if Zverev can finally win a Grand Slam title, and reach world number one for the first time, but he may never have a better chance than in 2025.
His first opportunity to pick up a Major will be at the Australian Open which begins on January 12.
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