World number two Alexander Zverev says he is thrilled with his 2024 performance, feeling a renewed sense of accomplishment following a challenging road back from injury. The German tennis star, who suffered a severe ankle injury at the 2022 French Open, is now ranked at a career-high number two after a successful comeback season highlighted by multiple major tournament wins.
Zverev secured his latest triumph at the Paris Masters earlier this month, a victory that solidified his place amongst the world’s elite as he enters the ATP Finals in Turin. Adding to his list of achievements, Zverev also clinched the Italian Open title in May and was a runner-up at the French Open, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on his journey, Zverev shared with ATP Media, “In 2023, I didn’t feel like I was competitive in big events, I was far away from winning them. Being able to compete and make Grand Slam finals, win Masters 1000 events—that is a big satisfaction to me because there were obviously question marks if I was ever going to do that again after the injury.”
Having claimed his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title in Paris, Zverev now turns his focus to the ATP Finals. He’s part of the John Newcombe Group, alongside top competitors including four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, and world number nine Andrey Rublev. Zverev will kick off his campaign against Rublev on Monday, a player he leads 6-3 in their head-to-head series.
Entering the ATP Finals on a five-match win streak, Zverev acknowledges the unique challenge of competing against the world’s top players right from the start. “I think coming in and playing one of the best eight players in the world straight off is a very difficult thing to do. You have to be focused, you have to be ready from the get-go,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this week.”
Zverev’s history with the ATP Finals is impressive; he is one of only two former champions in this year’s draw, having won the event in 2018 and 2021. The Hamburg native has established himself as a force on this prestigious stage, bolstered by a season-leading 66 match wins. His return to form underscores his resilience and drive as he competes in his seventh ATP Finals since 2017, missing only the 2022 event due to his injury.
