Alexander Zverev acknowledged the Big Three “can’t compare with anyone else” but also added Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could potentially form a new Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer-like rivalry on the Tour. When 25-year-old Zverev turned pro, Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic were pretty much dominating the entire Grand Slam and Masters scene.
While Federer is retired and Nadal heavily struggling with injuries in recent years, the game has gotten some new Grand Slam and Masters champions. Djokovic is still as dominant as ever but the Serb missed some Grand Slam and Masters tournaments in the last few years due to his vaccination status.
“During the last years I was on the tour, there was Rafa, Roger and Novak. Those were three competitors that you can’t compare with anyone else. Of course there are many good young players like Sinner, Rune and Alcaraz.
I think tennis is in good hands. But that certainly includes my generation. The spectators can look forward to more matches between Sinner and Alcaraz in the future. The two have a good relationship. This could be a new ‘Rafa-Roger rivalry,'” Zverev said, via Tennis TourTalk.
Zverev set to compete at the BMW Open in Munich
After opening his clay season at the Monte Carlo, Zverev is set to compete in front of his home fans in Munich. This week, Zverev will be making his eighth main draw appearance.
Zverev won back-to-back Munich titles in 2017 and 2018 but since then hasn’t had much success in Munich. “I always like to play at home and Munich is a place I have good and not so good memories of. My performance depends a lot on the weather.
Rain and cold are not ideal for my style of play. I like to play aggressive and fast on clay. When the weather was good, I was able to win this tournament twice. So I hope it will improve the upcoming days and we will have a good week here,” Zverev said. Third-seeded Zverev has a first-round bye in Munich.
