World No. 2 Alexander Zverev expressed his frustration with journalists who criticized him during a period of poor results.
“It would be great [to become No. 1],” Zverev said, addressing a question about potentially becoming obsessed with the goal. “I haven`t been there yet, but I believe I will. We`ll see how it goes.”
“I think the media loves to belittle players. I wasn`t playing well for two months before Munich, my game wasn`t working. And suddenly, I`m the worst world No. 2 in history, not deserving of this spot. But I am second because I`ve won matches and tournaments.”
The ranking doesn`t lie: you get points for winning matches and tournaments. Yes, I know I haven`t been playing at my level. I know I haven`t shown what I wanted to. But Carlos [Alcaraz] wasn`t brilliant either, and then he won Monte Carlo.
“Every player has such periods in their career. Do you think Novak [Djokovic] is happy with his results? Do you think Carlos is happy? I`m not thrilled with mine either.”
“But in key matches, in decisive moments, I believe that top players will step up. And I am confident that I will find my game at the biggest tournaments,” Zverev concluded at the press conference.
Marcus Prine