Zverev Prefers Facing Top Rivals, Dismisses Advantage from Withdrawals

German tennis player Alexander Zverev firmly rejected the notion that the absence of top contenders like Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from the upcoming Montreal Masters would improve his chances of winning. When asked if he was happy about their withdrawals, Zverev responded with a decisive, "No." He emphasized his preference for facing the strongest opponents, particularly in the lead-up to Grand Slams.

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No, I think before a Grand Slam, you want to play against the best opponents.

Zverev, who recently lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon final, acknowledged his historical win-loss record against the Italian but highlighted their consistent performances on the tour. "I think before a Grand Slam, you want to play against the best opponents," Zverev stated. "I understand his decision, we also considered skipping Montreal this year, but we decided to come. We are probably the two players who have met the most this year, and that's a good thing." He added that while losing repeatedly to the same player is difficult, it indicates they are likely the most stable players on the tour this year, which he views positively.

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I understand his decision, we also considered skipping Montreal this year, but we decided to come. We are probably the two players who have met the most this year, and that's a good thing.

Following his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open, Zverev is setting his sights on the world No. 1 ranking. However, he stressed that his primary focus remains on performing well in each match. "The priority is always to play every match as best as possible, because then the results, the titles, the rankings will come," he explained. "As long as I focus on improving myself, improving my game, playing my best tennis, everything else will follow."

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Of course, losing to the same person continuously is not pleasant, but it also shows that we are probably the two most stable players on the tour this year, and that is a positive signal in itself.

Reflecting on his return to Montreal, where he secured his second Masters title nine years ago, Zverev expressed his fondness for the city and its environment. "It's been a long time since I won here in Montreal, but I'm happy to be back," he said. "Nine years ago, that was my second Masters title, and it's incredible how many years I've been on tour. I'm happy that I can still be here in shape." He conveyed contentment with his sustained performance level on the tour after so many years.

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The priority is always to play every match as best as possible, because then the results, the titles, the rankings will come. As long as I focus on improving myself, improving my game, playing my best tennis, everything else will follow.