Alexander Zverev: Jannik Sinner’s Madrid masterclass puts him a cut above Carlos Alcaraz

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After coming up short against Jannik Sinner in the Madrid Open final, Alexander Zverev had something interesting to say about the Italian’s growing rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.

Few players know them better than Zverev, who has faced both numerous times over the years. He’s spent enough time on court with them to pick up a thing or two about their games.

But his comments after the match might raise a few eyebrows.

Sinner, by contrast, has been flying. He hasn’t lost before the semi-final stage in any tournament this year and now holds an incredible 28-2 record for 2024.

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Alexander Zverev shares his view on how Sinner and Alcaraz compare after the Madrid Open​

What really stood out, though, was how he separated the field into distinct tiers. Zverev placed Sinner in a league of his own at the top, then put Alcaraz and Djokovic in the next group down – and included himself in that category as well.

Speaking about his position, Zverev said: “Well, I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else right now. It’s quite simple. I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else. And I think there’s a big gap between Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak, and everybody else. I think there’s two gaps right now.

“It’s difficult to say that there’s not a gap between Sinner and everybody else if he hasn’t lost a match in how many Masters events? Since Shanghai. He hasn’t lost a match in almost nine months. I think you have to admit that there’s a gap between him and everybody else, yeah.”

Zverev ended up apologising after the final for what he felt was an underwhelming performance.

Jannik Sinner may be unstoppable without Carlos Alcaraz​

Even though Sinner only lost to three different players, he still finished the season with six defeats. That gap can largely be explained by one factor: Alcaraz.

The Spaniard beat him on some of the sport’s biggest stages, winning the Italian Open final, US Open final and that remarkable Roland Garros showdown.

With Alcaraz now confirmed out for the rest of the clay season due to injury, it opens up a clear path for the world number one, who may not face much resistance in the coming months.

Zverev is considered one of Sinner’s main challengers, but after his straight-sets defeat today, it raises questions about whether anyone else on tour can step up soon enough to prevent Sinner from running away with things.

Read more:

• Alexander Zverev’s Madrid Open rout ends in apology — Jannik Sinner seals a statement victory
• Payday in Rome: Who earns what at the 2026 Italian Open
• Emotional or savage? Alexander Blockx’s words to Zverev after Madrid Open defeat have everyone talking!

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