MY ACCOUNT
Alexander Zverev believes he will form a big three with Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev in 2022 but hopes he will not get the chance to become world No1 at the Australian Open.
The German is knocking on the door near the top of the rankings after a fine year that saw him win six titles, including the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin and an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
Zverev, currently ranked third, could go top of the rankings if he wins the Australian Open, which starts next month, but that is only possible if current world No1 Djokovic does not play.
And Zverev is hopeful the Serbian will take part despite continued uncertainty over his participation in the tournament amid intense debate over his COVID-19 vaccine stance.
Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open winner, has yet to disclose his vaccination status.
Tournament chief Craig Tiley said this week he is still hoping to see the tour’s top player participate if he meets the required conditions, which are either being vaccinated or having a medical exemption.
“The situation with Novak and Australia is still a big question mark,” Zverev said in a podcast appearance with Eurosport Germany.
“Of course, I hope that he will be allowed to play, that is very clear.
“There are thousands of mathematical calculations, if he doesn’t play Australia and I win the Australian Open, then I’m number one in the world and so on and so forth.
“At the end of the day, now is not the time to think about [being world number one]. Now is the time to prepare as best as you can so you’re physically able to play for it.”
As well as his silverware, Zverev made the last four of the French Open and US Open, and the 24-year-old believes his experience has begun to come to the fore.
Zverev had a 59-15 record this season and recorded at least one victory against every other player inside the top 10 of the ATP year-end rankings.
“I’ve become much calmer and I’m also getting older,” he added.
“I’m not 18 or 19 anymore. I understand maybe a bit more things about life and understand that you just have to keep calm in important situations. That has had its effect on me this year.
“I think next year could be very similar to the last six months from this year.
“Before, there used to be always talk about Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – now the big titles were the Olympics, US Open, Turin and Wimbledon, and they were all won by Medvedev, Djokovic and me.
“I don’t expect it to be any different next year.”
