A New Profile, A Familiar Caution
Alexander Zverev arrives at the US Open in a very different position from a year ago. The German claimed his first Grand Slam title at this year's French Open and followed that up by reaching his first Wimbledon final in July, cementing himself as one of the tour's most formidable players. Yet despite those achievements, and despite world number one Jannik Sinner withdrawing due to a lingering knee problem, Zverev is keen to avoid taking on the pressure of favourite status.
At his pre-tournament press conference, Zverev was clear-eyed about what actually matters: "The most important thing is whose name appears at the end of the draw." He also acknowledged that his build-up has been far from ideal, dropping early in both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open in the weeks leading up to New York.
Honest Reflections and Bold Predictions
Zverev, who lost a heartbreaking five-set final at the 2020 US Open to Dominic Thiem after leading by two sets and a break, says that result still stings. He has been remarkably consistent at Flushing Meadows, reaching at least the quarter-finals in four of his last five appearances there.
In a candid appearance on Andy Roddick's podcast, Zverev admitted he was quietly terrified during his French Open run, joking that he was privately a nervous wreck while projecting calm in press conferences. Roddick, who once navigated a similar pressure-filled career phase, gave him a lengthy phone call of advice in late 2024.
As for Carlos Alcaraz, who has been sidelined for four months with a wrist injury, Zverev believes the Spaniard can still be a genuine contender despite the long layoff, though he flagged concerns about injury risk upon his return. TennisDraw users have been closely debating Zverev's bracket position given Sinner's absence and Alcaraz's uncertain fitness.
