Alexander Zverev is clear on the reason why Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the best players on the ATP Tour right now.
Zverev has attempted to break the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner over the past two years, but he has been unable to capture an elusive Grand Slam title.
The German is continuing his attempt to close the gap on Alcaraz and Sinner, including Zverev recently adopting a more aggressive game style.
After Zverev beat Brandon Nakashima to reach the fourth round of Indian Wells, he commented on Alcaraz and Sinner when asked about tennis IQ.
Alexander Zverev claims Tennis IQ has lost value as he makes comment about Carlos Alcaraz
Zverev beat Nakashima 6(2)-7, 7-5, 6-4, to extend his dominant head-to-head against the American to 6-0.
In his post-match press conference, Zverev was asked about tennis IQ and which current players have the highest on tour right now.
How do you feel about Carlos Alcaraz’s dominance of men’s tennis right now?
Is it at risk of making the men's game boring?
Zverev responded by suggesting that tennis IQ is no longer a key factor on tour, and instead claimed it is just about the players who have the best shots, highlighting Alcaraz and Sinner.
“Yeah, I have different opinions about it,” said Zverev. “I think the players that win the most are the ones that have the best shots.
“I think the players that win the most now, especially now, because tennis is just a powerful sport now, have the best forehand, have the best backhand, have the best serve, have the best return. I think those are the players that win the most in the last couple of years.
“I think Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are winning “the” most, not because they play tennis by a lot of tactics, their shots are just better than everyone else’s.
“So, yeah, I think ten years ago, tactics and, you know, tennis IQ, as you said, was more important than it is now. I think it has lost a bit of value. I think just, yeah, whoever hits the ball the best wins the most matches.”
Alexander Zverev responds to Carlos Alcaraz’s complaints about the shot clock
Tennis IQ was not the only thing Zverev commented on regarding Alcaraz, who has recently been complaining about the shot clock in between points.
As a result of Alcaraz’s complaints, many of the top players have also been asked for their view on the shot clock, including Zverev.
Although Alcaraz is clearly not happy with the way the shot clock is being implemented, Zverev is significantly less bothered.
“I think I’m a bad person to ask that, because I never really have issues with the shot clock, to be honest,” said Zverev.
“I don’t go for my towel except if it’s, like, humid like in Acapulco and just really tough conditions. I’m not someone who has issues with time, I would say. Outside the court, I do, but not on the court (smiling).”
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Zverev will now move on to his fourth round match at Indian Wells, where he will play another American in Frances Tiafoe.
The world number four is likely to be feeling confident ahead of this match, as Zverev has won eight of his nine previous matches against Tiafoe, including their last six in a row.
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